Not Just Another Survey in the Mail
Medicare monitors managing fall risk, urinary incontinence, mental health, physical health, and more using Health Outcome Surveys (HOS). These are longitudinal surveys that monitor the progress of Medicare enrollees.
A random sample of HealthTeam Advantage members are given an identical HOS Survey at the beginning and end of a two-year period (Baseline and Follow-up). Medicare also uses results from these surveys to compare health plans and providers based on quality and performance, as several of the questions are used in Medicare Star Ratings for HealthTeam Advantage and other plans.
Many of your patients started receiving the 2024 Medicare HOS Survey in the mail toward the end of July. If they don’t return it soon, a second survey will be mailed on August 26. They will be able to respond by mail or phone until November 1.
HOS Survey Tips
- If your patient discloses that they received the survey, please let them know the importance of completing the survey and encourage them to return it.
- The interaction you have with your patients year-round directly impacts HOS Star measure ratings.
- Now is a great time to be sure you are having these open conversations with your patients.
- Share survey questions with your staff, as they may also have opportunities to discuss with patients.
- Provide an open, welcoming environment so your patients feel comfortable talking about their health concerns with you.
- To help cover needed topics, have a checklist with HOS-related questions to be given at check-in to patients, regardless of the reason for the visit, to complete in the waiting room. (If you need a sample, please contact us.)
- Based on your patients’ responses, work to develop treatment plans and goals to encourage your patients to get or stay healthy.
Here are some survey questions with related tips and best practices:
| Survey Measure | Sample Questions | Tips for Best Practices |
|
Improving or Maintaining Mental Health A measure of plan members whose mental health was the same or better than expected after two years |
During the past 4 weeks, have you had any problems with your work or other regular daily activities as a result of any emotional problems (such as feeling depressed or anxious)? How much of the time during the past 4 weeks:
During the past 4 weeks, how much of the time have your physical health or emotional problems interfered with your social activities (like visiting with friends, relatives, etc.)? |
Ask about your patient’s mental status
Assess depression using screenings such as PHQ-9 or PHQ-2. Encourage increased social activity, exercise, and healthier eating to help with day-to-day well-being. If emotional problems, depression, anxiety, or addiction arise, provide a referral to a specialist. |
|
Improving or Maintaining Physical Activity A measure of plan members whose physical health was the same or better than expected after two years |
In general, would you say your health is:
|
Provide patients with educational material, exercise resources, and recommendations to improve patient health.
Ask patients to describe their exercise routine and make recommendations to improve or maintain physical activity. Recommend community resources such as walking groups, exercise classes, and senior recreational facilities. Encourage strengthening exercise routines Keep track of physical activity and exercise progress by using monthly progress charts, and/or wearable devices. |
| Monitoring Physical Activity A measure of members indicating that their doctor discussed exercise with them AND The member was advised to start, increase, or maintain their physical activity during the year. |
In the past 12 months, did you talk with a doctor or other health provider about your level of exercise or physical activity? In the past 12 months, did a doctor or other health provider advise you to start, increase, or maintain your level of exercise or physical activity? |
Talk to patients about their current level of physical activity and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Recommend exercise plans or routines for patients based on their current health status, ability, and access. If a patient has issues with mobility, refer them to physical therapy to learn safe and effective exercises. Utilize services such as chronic care management, case management, dietitians, and other specialists to develop a healthy physical activity routine. |
|
Improving Bladder Control Measure of members with a urine leakage problem in the past 6 months |
In the past six months, have you experienced leaking of urine? During the past six months, how much did leaking of urine make you change your daily activities or interfere with your sleep? Have you ever talked with a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider about leaking of urine? There are many ways to control or manage the leaking of urine, including bladder training exercises, medication, and surgery. Have you ever talked with a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider about any of these approaches? |
Ask patients to complete a bladder control assessment.
Discuss bladder control and treatment options. Recommend Kegel and pelvic floor exercises. Recommend bladder training. Provide information and brochures to help start conversations around this topic. |
|
Reducing risk of falling Measure of members with a problem falling, walking, or balancing |
A fall is when your body goes to the ground without being pushed. In the past 12 months, did you talk with your doctor or other health provider about falling or problems with balance or walking? Did you fall in the past 12 months? In the past 12 months, have you had a problem with balance or walking? Has your doctor or other health provider done anything to help prevent falls or treat problems with balance or walking? |
Ask patients to complete a fall risk assessment.
Remind patients that installing handrails can reduce falls. Make suggestions and recommendations to help patients improve fall risk such as using assistive devices, annual vision and hearing tests, and daily exercise routines. Review medications to assess for side effects and interactions that could increase fall risk. Remove fall hazards within the home such as excess furniture, boxes, electrical cords, and loose shoes. Encourage patients to remove or secure area rugs, carpeting, and other flooring. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower or recommend a shower seat. |
Resources:
- HEDIS Volume 6: Specifications for the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey: Effectiveness of Care_HOS_CAHPS
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2024 Medicare Health Outcomes Survey
https://hosonline.org