Desert Care Network
1. Top 10 Disparities
The following table lists the ten largest health equity disparities identified for this reporting period.
Disparities for each hospital equity measure are identified by comparing the rate ratios by stratification groups. Rate ratios are calculated differently for measures with preferred low rates and those with preferred high rates. Rate ratios are calculated after applying the California Health and Human Services Agency's "Data De-Identification Guidelines (DDG)," dated September 23, 2016.
The table below highlights the ten widest health equity disparities identified by hospitals and hospital systems during this reporting period. Measure names have been shortened for display purposes. To view each measure in full, please download the complete Hospital Equity Report using the link below.
No disparity data for this period.
2. Equity Plan
The hospital's Equity Improvement Plan aims to reduce overall 30-day readmission rates with focus on CHF, AMI, and high-risk cardiopulmonary conditions, while directly addressing the Top 10 disparities related to age, race/ethnicity, payer type, and sex. Interventions are standardized across the care continuum and tailored to support disparity groups with higher-than-expected readmission
or mortality rates.
1. Age-Based Disparities (65+, 50–64, 35–49 vs. 18–34)
Older adults experience substantially higher readmission rates. To address this, the hospital will perform universal readmission-risk screening for all patients, with enhanced transition-of-care protocols for patients aged 35 and older. Older adults will receive age-appropriate education,
simplified materials, caregiver engagement, medication reconciliation, and earlier discharge planning. All patients in these age groups will have follow-up appointments scheduled prior to discharge and will receive post-discharge follow-up calls within 48-72 hours. These actions increase
support, comprehension, and continuity for age groups with higher readmission burdens.
2. Payer-Based Disparities (Medicare and Medicaid vs. Private Insurance)
Medicare and Medicaid patients show elevated readmissions driven by higher comorbidity burden and SDOH barriers. To close these gaps, the hospital will complete standardized SDOH screenings for all publicly insured patients, connecting them to transportation support, food and housing resources, medication access programs, and care navigation. The Meds-to-Beds program has been
expanded for CHF, AMI and Stroke patients to eliminate medication delays. Telehealth follow-up options continue to be prioritized for Medicaid and Medicare patients with mobility or access challenges.
3. Race/Ethnicity Disparities
All readmissions, and more specifically those with racial and ethnic groups with higher readmission rates will receive targeted interventions including culturally responsive education, teach-back, and proactive interpreter use. The hospital works with community partnerships and community organizations and use community health workers for post-discharge outreach, medication
reinforcement, symptom monitoring, and appointment assistance.
4. Cross-Cutting Interventions Supporting All Disparity Groups
Across CHF, AMI, COPD, and pneumonia populations, the hospital will continue to implement core interventions including universal readmission-risk screening, SDOH assessments, Meds-to-Beds access, standardized discharge education using culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, and the scheduling of follow-up appointments before discharge. Pulmonary rehab consults will be ordered for applicable patients to strengthen management of COPD and pneumonia, which commonly overlap with CHF and AMI risks. ED teams currently receive real-time alerts when a potential readmission patient presents, to ensure timely and prompt intervention.
4. Download Equity Measures Report
Click on the link below to download the equity measures report.
Click on the link below to download all equity measures reports.