Hospitalizations consume nearly one-third of the $2 trillion spent on health care in the United States. At the same time, there is ample evidence that many hospitalizations--especially rehospitalizations--are preventable through a variety of means, from comprehensive hospital discharge planning and post-discharge support, to multidisciplinary disease management, patient education, and enhanced support in the home. This project is the first phase of a planned five-year demonstration project to reduce preventable rehospitalizations in three to five states or regions. In phase 1, the project team will: 1) identify and develop processes, protocols, and other tools to assist statewide initiatives in reducing rehospitalizations; 2) select the states or regions that will participate in the demonstration; and 3) map out a strategy for implementation. If this initial work proceeds satisfactorily, the Fund will be asked to support implementation in phase 2. For further information, contact Lorna Newman, Project Manager, at ReducingRehospitalizations@ihi.org