Fall Prevention and the Health Outcomes Survey (HOS)

Why it matters

The Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) evaluates Medicare Advantage members’ perceptions of their health and care. One key measure is “Reducing the Risk of Falling,” which directly impacts Star Ratings and reflects how well providers engage patients in fall prevention strategies.

September is National Fall Prevention Awareness Month

This is a timely opportunity to reinforce fall prevention practices and improve HOS performance.

Best practices for providers

1. Initiate the conversation

• Ask patients aged 65+ if they’ve fallen in the past year or feel unsteady.
• Use open-ended questions to explore balance, mobility, and home safety concerns.

2. Review and reconcile medications

• Identify medications that may increase fall risk (e.g., sedatives, antihypertensives).
• Adjust or deprescribe when appropriate and educate patients on side effects.

3. Conduct functional assessments

• Evaluate gait, strength, and balance using tools like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
• Refer to physical or occupational therapy when needed.

4. Promote home safety

• Recommend grab bars, night lights, and removal of tripping hazards.

5. Document and follow-up

• Capture fall risk discussions and interventions in the EHR.

Why this matters for HOS

Engaging patients in meaningful conversations and documenting interventions can improve survey responses and outcomes.