General Medicine A
LACE Index for Readmission Risk
Predicts 30-day unplanned readmission or death after hospital discharge using Length of stay, Acuity, Comorbidity, and Emergency visits.
Score interpretation
Low Risk 0–4
Low risk of readmission/death within 30 days.
→ Standard discharge planning.
Moderate Risk 5–9
Moderate readmission risk — approximately 20–30%.
→ Enhanced discharge planning; consider care coordinator.
High Risk 10–19
High risk — approximately 40–50% readmission/death risk.
→ Intensive discharge support, early follow-up within 7 days, consider community nursing.
Interpretation bands for the LACE Index. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- van Walraven C et al. Derivation and validation of an index to predict early death or unplanned readmission after hospital discharge. CMAJ. 2010;182(6):551-557.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
- ADHERE Algorithm for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure · Risk Stratification
- TIMI Risk Index for STEMI · Risk Stratification
- Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) — Detailed · Risk Stratification
- GI-BLEED Score for Upper GI Bleeding · Risk Stratification
- HCT-CI — Haematopoietic Cell Transplant Comorbidity Index · Risk Stratification
- San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) · Risk Stratification
Drugs
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Ziprasidone · Atypical Antipsychotic — D2/5-HT2A Antagonist (Low Metabolic Risk)
- Atorvastatin (CKD Cardiovascular Risk) · Cardiovascular Risk in CKD
- Icosapent Ethyl (Omega-3 — Cardiovascular Risk Reduction) · Omega-3 Fatty Acid (Purified EPA — Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester)
Pathways
- Sepsis Screening and Sepsis Six · UK Sepsis Trust; NICE NG51; Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Unintentional Weight Loss Workup · NICE NG12; BSG
- Chronic Fatigue Workup · NICE NG206; BMJ Best Practice
- Lymphadenopathy Workup · NICE NG12; BMJ Best Practice
- Pre-op Medical Clearance · NICE NG45; ESC 2022
- Secondary Hypertension Workup · NICE NG136; ESH 2023
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.