Your VNS Health Medicare Patients May Receive the Health Outcomes Survey

Beginning in August and continuing through November, some of your VNS Health Medicare (HMO) patients may receive the Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The HOS will be administered by Qualtrics, formerly Press Ganey, on behalf of CMS.

The survey will ask about their physical and mental health and overall well-being. Patient responses help evaluate the quality of care and services provided to our members and contribute to our Medicare Star Ratings.

If a patient tells you they received the survey or asks about it, Please encourage them to open and review the survey materials and complete the survey if they choose. Their feedback will help us improve the services our health plans provide to all our members.

Filling out the survey will not impact their benefits in any way.

Providers play an important role in helping improve outcomes measured by the HOS. Here’s how you can help:

• Evaluate patients’ mental health during office or telehealth visits. For patients experiencing depression or anxiety, discuss available treatment options and support resources.
• Ask patients whether they have fallen recently or have concerns about balance. Discuss ways to reduce fall risk, such as annual eye exams, balance exercises, and appropriate durable medical equipment.
• Assess patients’ physical activity level during each visit. For patients with limited mobility, consider referring them to physical therapy to learn safe and effective exercises.

During annual wellness visits, discuss patients’ overall health and document any changes since the previous year.