Further studies focusing solely on hospital readmissions and.repeat ED Visits among CMC must be conducted since this population has distinct, high-level needs. In every case, future research should be based on clearly defined measures of hospital readmissions and ED visits, and the CMC population should be identified using consistent terms and an unambiguous definition. Consideration should be made to the time frame used to define readmissions in future studies. Periods longer than the 30-day window considered by CMS may be necessary to accurately capture readmissions. Further studies should also be conducted that examine hospital readmissions and repeat ED visits in rural—dwelling CMC, since geographical location may influence health care utilization. Additional research investigating methods for reducing preventable readmissions or ED visits may also be necessary. Care coordination has been specified as one strategy for addressing high health care utilization rates. A review of studies examining the role of care coordination in hospital readmissions and ED visits among CMC would be a beneficial addition to the literature in this area. Gaps that may be identified through such a literature review could delineate further avenues for future inquiry. Beyond research, findings of the review have implications for nursing practice. Nurses must be aware of the heightened national focus on addressing preventable hospital read- missions and should be active participants in creating and implementing interventions attending to the issue. In both the primary and acute care settings, nurses can develop educational plans with CMC and their families that are tailored toward reducing the risk of readmissions or repeat ED visits. Primary care and acute care nurses may also consider seeking care coordination services (such as a health care/medical home) for CMC as a strategy for reducing readmissions and repeat ED visits. Since characteristics of