Dissemination of HOS Results to QIOs and MA Plans

Each year a baseline report and a performance measurement report are disseminated to each Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan participating in the Medicare HOS. Each participating MA Plan receives plan specific baseline and/or performance measurement reports, which present results for their plan, the state total, and the HOS national total. Patient level data files are made available to plans only after each cohort is complete. Additionally, each state's Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) receives a state specific baseline and/or performance measurement reports, which present results for all plans in their state, the state total, and the HOS national total. Corresponding Baseline and Performance Measurement patient level data files are disseminated to QIOs after each respective baseline and follow up measurement.

Medicare HOS Baseline Results

After the administration of each baseline cohort, a cohort specific baseline report is produced. The baseline reports present physical component summary and mental component summary scores. The scores are case mix adjusted using demographics, chronic medical conditions, and HOS study design variables. The baseline reports also provide plan, state, and HOS national information on health status indicators and demographics. A sample baseline report (PDF, 1.4 MB)  is available for download.

After baseline reports have been distributed to the participating MA Plans and QIOs, beneficiary level data are disseminated electronically to all participating QIOs. Each QIO receives a beneficiary level SAS data set comprised of data from all beneficiaries surveyed in the QIO's state. In addition to the SAS data set, each QIO is provided with a data user's guide that describes the Medicare HOS file specifications and the appropriate use of Medicare HOS data. Baseline QIO Data User's Guides are available for download.

Medicare HOS Performance Measurement Results

After administration of each follow up cohort, a cohort specific performance measurement report is produced. The performance measurement results describe change in health over time, which is characterized in terms of the direction and magnitude for all beneficiaries in a given plan. These results account for demographic and health differences that may exist between members in the various plans. A sample performance measurement report  (PDF, 1.6 MB) is available for download.

After performance measurement reports have been distributed to the participating QIOs and MA Plans, beneficiary level performance measurement data are disseminated electronically to all participating QIOs and made available to participating MA Plans. In addition to the data files, each QIO and MA Plan is provided with a data user's guide that describes the Medicare HOS file specifications and the appropriate use of Medicare HOS performance measurement data. Performance measurement Data User's Guides are available for download.

Availability of Reports and Data

For Cohorts 1 through 5 Baseline and 1 and 2 Performance Measurement, hard copy reports were disseminated to QIOs and MA Plans via an overnight carrier. However, effective Fall 2003, hard copy reports are no longer distributed to Plans and QIOs. Instead, all distribution occurs electronically to participating Plans through CMS' Health Plan Management System (HPMS) and to participating QIOs through the QIO QualityNet Exchange (QNE) application.

For earlier reports that were disseminated in hard copy format, detailed tracking information is available. Tracking information or additional or replacement hard copies and/or CD versions of reports can be ordered through the HOS Information and Technical Support Line (1-888-880-0077). There is a modest replacement fee, which covers the cost of report reproduction, shipping, and handling.

Note: Within the QNE application, the Security Administrator at each QIO designates specific individuals to be included in the HOS_Data exchange group. For information regarding the QualityNet HOS_Data exchange group, please contact the HOS Information and Technical Support Line (hos@azqio.sdps.org). In addition, QIOs can also access their HOS reports and the reports for all plans in their state via HPMS. An HPMS User ID is required to access HPMS. MA Plans must contact their CMS Quality Point of Contact to obtain access to their HOS reports. If assistance is required regarding HPMS access, please contact CMS via e-mail at hpms_access@cms.hhs.gov.

Complete information about the dissemination and availability of Medicare HOS reports and data to MA Plans and QIOs is available for each cohort below.

The following sample Medicare HOS Reports are available for download:

• 2006 Cohort 9 Sample Baseline Report (PDF, 1.4 MB)
• 2004-2006 Cohort 7 Sample Performance Measurement Report (PDF,1.6 MB)