Policy decisions involving coronavirus depend on close monitoring of resources like hospital beds.
But research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns those assets might face renewed demand as many COVID-19 patients are readmitted to the hospital.
A study of more than 126,000 COVID-19 patients finds 9% will return to the hospital within two months.
Risk of readmission was greater for those aged 65 and older, and among patients with lung and heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease or obesity.
Hospital returns also were more common among patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities or in need of home health care, as well as those who have been hospitalized within the three months before contracting COVID-19.
The report suggests the readmissions might stem from complications of underlying conditions, post-coronavirus medical issues or indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
