Health Outcomes Survey: How You Can Drive Results
What is the Health Outcomes Survey (HOS)?
The HOS is a questionnaire sent to a random sample of Medicare Advantage (MA) plan members. It asks questions about their overall health and their perception of the care they receive.
Why is it important?
The HOS helps the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services review and track health plan performance. Results help determine Star ratings for MA plans.
What does it cover?
MA patients are asked questions about things like their risk of falling, urinary incontinence, monitoring of their physical activity, and other topics related to their physical and mental health.
How can you help?
- Talk to your patients about the importance of filling out the HOS if they receive it
- Educate yourself and your staff on the survey questions
- Encourage your patients to take an active role in their health
- Work with your patients to develop treatment plans and goals to get or stay healthy
- Provide an open, welcoming environment so your patients feel comfortable talking about their health concerns with you.
Use these tips to guide discussions with your patients about their health:
HOS Measure | Sample HOS Questions | Recommendations/Best Practices |
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Monitoring Physical Activity | In the past 12 months, have you talked with a doctor or other health care provider about your level of exercise or physical activity? In the past 12 months, has a doctor or other health care provider advised you to start, increase or maintain your level of exercise or physical activity? |
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Improving Bladder Control | In the past six months, have you experienced leaking of urine? 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? |
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Reducing Fall Risk | Have you fallen in the past 12 months? In the past 12 months, have you had a problem with balance or walking? In the past 12 months, have you talked with your doctor or other health care provider about falling or problems with balance or walking? Has your doctor or other health care provider done anything to help prevent falls or treat problems with balance or walking? |
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