"Real World" Uses of HOS Data
Since its inception in 1998, the HOS program has successfully gathered valid, reliable,
and clinically meaningful data which are used in a variety of "real world" settings,
including:
- CMS to assess the performance of MA Plans and reward high performers.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) calculates a performance assessment
ranking for Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans based on the HOS results, other survey
results (e.g., CAHPS®), and additional process measures. CMS uses this information
to monitor and reward desired health plan performance. In addition, CMS uses HOS
data to calculate a frailty adjustor to set payment rates for social health maintenance
organizations (SHMOs) and special needs plans (SNPs). The analysis of HOS data helps
CMS to prioritize program areas for further investigation.
- Health researchers to advance the state-of-the-science in functional health outcomes
measurement, and quality improvement interventions and strategies.
Please visit the
HOS Publications Page for information on available manuals, peer-reviewed
articles, and technical reports that have been developed using HOS data.
- Managed care organizations, providers, and quality improvement organizations
to monitor and improve health care quality.
An MA Plan can use the HOS to review its performance and identify clinical areas
for special focus. A Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) can use the HOS to monitor,
assess, and promote quality improvement in the MA program.
Materials and webinars have been developed to assist MA Plans and QIOs with their
quality improvement efforts.
Webinars
The following Webex Recording Format (.WRF) files require a Webex Player in order
to view the recorded 2005 and 2006 HOS Webinar presentations. The player may be
downloaded from this
Webex Player link. The Webex (.WRF) files for each Webinar may be downloaded
from the links below. In addition, there are Portable Document Format (.PDF) files
of the slide presentations that are also available for download.
2006
"Enhancing the Use of HOS Data," two web conferences about the HOS program were
presented in 2006. Topics in the series included: how MA Plans and QIOs can increase
the utilization of the information in their HOS reports; and using the HOS data
for research purposes. The seminar slides for each of the presentations are available
by clicking on the PDF link. Recorded presentations of the web conferences can also
be heard by clicking on the WRF link.
2005
HOS data applications were the subject of a series of web conferences entitled "The
Medicare Health Outcomes Survey: Data Driven Strategies for Quality Improvement"
presented by the Medicare Advantage (Quality Improvement Organization Support Center
[QIOSC]) in partnership with the Arizona and Florida Quality Improvement Organizations.
Topics included identifying strategies for managing chronic conditions and disease
management. The seminar slides for each of the presentations are available by clicking
on the PDF link. Recorded presentations of the web conferences can be heard by clicking
on the WRF link.
- Overview of the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey and Strategies For Using HOS Data
to Improve Quality: May 3, 2005 (PDF, 881 KB) (WRF, 8.47 MB)
- Using the Medicare HOS Data to Identify Strategies for Managing Chronic Conditions
and Using the Medicare HOS Data to Identify At Risk Beneficiaries: May 31, 2005
(PDF, 235 KB) (WRF, 4.49 MB)
- Using the Medicare HOS Data to Evaluate Disease Management Programs and Using the
Medicare HOS Data for the Pharmacy Management of Depression: June 28, 2005 (PDF, 254
KB) (WRF, 6.0 MB)
SF-36® Primer for the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey
This primer provides general information about the HOS, how it came to be, what
its components are, how HOS data are collected and analyzed, and how HOS results
have been used. Information on the construction, scoring, reliability, validity
and interpretation of the SF-36® Health Survey is summarized. Multiple
tables of normative data are included to allow health plans and others using the
SF-36® to compare their data with reference norms for the Medicare
managed care population, overall, and by categories such as age and gender. Examples
of studies that demonstrate the impact of interventions such as disease management
and geriatric assessment in improving or maintaining SF-36® scores
are provided. Copies of the primer may be purchased via QualityMetric's Secure Online Order Center.
Medicare HOS Information Synthesis
This document reviews a number of interventions that have an effect on the overall
well-being and functional status of seniors. The intent of the review is to provide
direction in developing interventions that are relevant to the specific needs of
Medicare beneficiaries. This document is available for download Medicare HOS Information
Synthesis (PDF, 3.4 MB).
National Pilot Project on Depression
The National Pilot Project on Depression was a cooperative effort involving CMS,
six QIOs, and sixteen health plans, working to help primary care providers recognize
and treat depression in Medicare beneficiaries. HOS data were analyzed to establish
a profile of those at risk for depression. The results of this project can be used
as a mode for developing risk profiles for other health conditions or outcomes captured
by the HOS data. Below are links to the Final Report and User's Guide for this project.