Independence is continuing its series of messages for the parents and/or guardians of our Keystone HMO Children's Health Insurance Program (Keystone HMO CHIP) members to help families manage their child's health care. The topics chosen are based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures. We are sharing these topics with you to help support compliance with these measures and to encourage families to obtain these important services.
This month's message is about the importance of assessment and treatment for asthma.
Important information on HEDIS measures
Children ages 2 through 19
Measure: Assess the percentage of children and adolescents, in this age group, with an asthma diagnosis who have ≥ one emergency room/department (ED) visit in a year.
Members ages 5 through 64
Measure: The percentage of members, in this age group, who were identified as having persistent asthma and were dispensed appropriate medications that they remained on during the treatment period. Two rates are reported:
- The percentage of members who remained on an asthma controller medication for at least 50 percent of their treatment period.
- The percentage of members who remained on an asthma controller medication for at least 75 percent of their treatment period.
How you can help
Each Keystone HMO CHIP patient should be reminded of the importance of taking his or her medication as prescribed, which can help to lower ED visits related to asthma. In addition, we suggest you explain the following to parents and patients:
- why asthma medication is needed
- how to administer the medication and any potential side effects
- how to handle an asthma attack
- what to do if a dose is missed
We appreciate your ongoing support in educating the parents and guardians of your Keystone HMO CHIP patients. Stay tuned for more topics in 2021.