FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Although the term HEDIS is commonly used in a healthcare environment, many who hear mention of this acronym may wonder what it actually means.
So, what is HEDIS?
Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set (HEDIS) is a tool used by McDonald Army Health Center to measure performance on breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, comprehensive diabetes care, and use of appropriated medications for people with asthma, Chlamydia and well-child screenings.
HEDIS data are collected through medical charts and insurance claims for hospitalizations, medical office visits and procedures.
For example, a measure titled "Well Child Screening" monitors the frequency of well-child visits during the first 15 months of life. The plan reports the number of children continuously enrolled to a military treatment facility (MTF) which receives six or more well-child visits during the first 15 months of life. Plans may collect data for this measure by reviewing insurance claims billed to TriCare and MTF appointments.
The goal for McDonald Army Health Center is to be "green" in all performance measures and to ensure patients are current on all screenings as they apply to individual patients.
The next time an individual is in for an appointment, they can ask their provider about screenings to ensure they are up to date. They are preventative measures performed either by receiving a phone call from the health center's nursing staff or through the mail.
Don't ignore any of these measures. These health screenings are conducted to ensure patients a healthy life.