The Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) is an important Medicare survey that helps capture members’’ experiences with their health, well-being, and ability to remain active and independent. One area of focus is fall risk and fall prevention, which can have a significant impact on a member’s quality of life, mobility, and overall health.

The 2026 HOS survey is currently in the field and remains open through November 2, 2026. Conversations that help identify fall risks, discuss physical activity, and connect members to appropriate support services can play an important role in supporting healthy aging and maintaining independence.

Why fall prevention matters

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults and can result in fractures, loss of mobility, reduced confidence, and increased healthcare utilization. Even members who have not experienced a recent fall may have concerns about balance, strength, or navigating their home environment safely.

Routine discussions during office visits can help identify opportunities for additional support before a fall occurs. 

Conversation starters during patient visits: 

Providers may consider incorporating simple, open-ended questions into routine wellness visits, chronic care follow-up appointments, or annual assessments: 

• Have you fallen in the past year?
• Have you experienced any slips, trips, or near-falls recently?
• Do you ever feel unsteady when walking or standing?
• Do you use any assistive devices such as a cane or walker?
• Have you noticed any changes in your balance, strength, or confidence while walking?
• Are there areas in your home or other places you visit regularly that feel difficult to navigate safely?
• Are you participating in any regular physical activity or exercise program? 

These conversations can help uncover concerns that may not otherwise be discussed and provide opportunities for early intervention. 

Tips for supporting fall prevention

While every patient’s needs are different, the following approaches may help reduce fall risk: 

• Encourage regular physical activity appropriate to the member’s health status and functional ability.
• Discuss exercises that focus on strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility.
• Review medications regularly and assess potential side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.
• Monitor vision and hearing changes and encourage routine preventive screenings.
• Assess the need for assistive devices when appropriate.
• Consider referrals for physical therapy, balance training, or other supportive services when clinically indicated. 

Home and environmental safety considerations

Many falls occur outside of healthcare settings. Brief conversations about a patient’s home and daily environment may help identify potential hazards. Members can be encouraged to: 

• Remove loose rugs or clutter from walking paths.
• Improve lighting in hallways, stairways, and entrances.
• Install grab-bars and handrails where needed.
• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and showers.
• Wear properly fitting, supportive footwear.
• Exercise caution during seasonal weather conditions, uneven surfaces, and community activities. 

Fall prevention discussions do not need to be lengthy to be impactful. Asking a few simple questions about balance, mobility, recent falls, physical activity, and home safety can help identify opportunities for support and may contribute to improved health outcomes and quality of life for Medicare members.