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

LACE 0–4: low risk (expected 30-day death or unplanned readmission 2.0% at a score of 0).

→ Standard discharge planning.

Moderate Risk 5–9

LACE 5–9: moderate risk.

→ Enhanced discharge planning; consider care coordinator.

High Risk 10–19

LACE ≥ 10: high risk — expected 30-day death or unplanned readmission 12.2% at 10, rising to 43.7% at 19 (van Walraven 2010).

→ Intensive discharge support, early follow-up within 7 days, consider community nursing.

Interpretation bands for the LACE Index. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

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.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.