From Messy EHRs to 30-Day Readmission Predictions: Benchmarking 4 ML Models
Last Updated on August 29, 2025 by Editorial Team
Author(s): Marie Humbert-Droz, PhD
Originally published on Towards AI.
Patient-level splits, imputation hacks, and interpretability tips for real-world healthcare AI.
In Part 1, we explored why explainability matters in healthcare AI and introduced our 30-day readmission prediction model. We discussed the critical need for transparency when AI systems influence patient care decisions. Now, we’ll dive into the practical work of building multiple predictive models while addressing the unique challenges of healthcare data.

This article discusses the critical aspects of implementing machine learning models in healthcare, particularly focusing on preprocessing steps, model selection, and the treatment of missing data. Key strategies including patient-level data splitting, various imputation techniques, and the integration of interpretability into AI solutions are emphasized to ensure reliable and clinically meaningful outcomes. Multiple machine learning models, such as logistic regression, random forests, and deep learning, are compared to illustrate their respective strengths and limitations in healthcare predictions, ultimately guiding practitioners in selecting the most appropriate approach for their needs.
Read the full blog for free on Medium.
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