How is the LACE score calculated?

L: LOS 1d=1, 2d=2, 3d=3, 4–6d=4, 7–13d=5, ≥14d=7. A: emergent admission=3, elective=0. C: Charlson Comorbidity Index mapped to points (0=0, 1=1, 2=2, 3–4=3, 5–6=4, ≥7=5). E: 0 ED visits=0, 1=1, 2=2, 3=3, ≥4=4. Score ≥10 = high risk.

What interventions reduce readmission in high-LACE patients?

Evidence-based interventions: teach-back discharge education, pharmacist medication reconciliation, early PCP follow-up within 7 days, nurse phone call at 48–72 hours, care coordinator assignment, and transitional care management (TCM) billing codes.

How accurate is the LACE index?

LACE has moderate predictive accuracy (AUC 0.68–0.74 in validation studies). It performs similarly to more complex models. Its strength is simplicity and ease of calculation at the point of discharge. Disease-specific models (e.g., HOSPITAL score for heart failure) may outperform LACE in specific populations.

LACE Index for 30-Day Hospital Readmission Risk

Calculates the LACE index predicting 30-day readmission or death: L=Length of stay (1–7pts), A=Acuity (emergent admission=3pts), C=Comorbidity (Charlson index, 0–5pts), E=ED visits in prior 6 months (1–4pts). Total 0–19; score ≥10 indicates high readmission risk.

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LACE Index for 30-Day Hospital Readmission Risk

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the LACE score calculated?

What interventions reduce readmission in high-LACE patients?

How accurate is the LACE index?