LAUSR

Key Points Question How has the rate of potentially preventable hospitalizations (ambulatory care–sensitive conditions) changed during the COVID-19 pandemic? Findings This cross-sectional study found statistically significant decreases in rates of potentially preventable hospitalizations during the pandemic relative to the prepandemic period but no significant change in the intensity of care provided during these admissions. These decreases are similar in magnitude to the overall decrease in non–COVID-19–related hospital admissions during the pandemic. Meaning This study suggests that researchers should be cautious in interpreting changes in rates of potentially preventable hospitalizations during the pandemic as being solely due to the quality of ambulatory care because these rates are also likely due to other patient-level and hospital-level factors that are associated with the demand for hospital services.