What to Know About HEDIS Measures for Kidney Health

Kidney health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing concern that affects millions of people worldwide. To address this, healthcare organizations and health plans use HEDIS measures to monitor and improve care for CKD. But what is HEDIS, and how can at-home testing close care gaps and improve HEDIS scores for kidney health? Let’s dive in.

What is HEDIS?

HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) is a set of standardized performance measures used by health plans to evaluate and improve the quality of care provided to patients. It covers a wide range of health conditions, including kidney health. HEDIS measures for kidney health focus on ensuring that individuals, especially those with CKD or at risk for it, receive timely screenings and appropriate management of their condition.

The Importance of HEDIS Measures for Kidney Health

Chronic kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent” condition because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until it reaches a critical stage. As such, early detection and regular monitoring are crucial for preventing further damage and managing this disease (and other chronic diseases)  effectively. HEDIS measures for kidney health emphasize the importance of regular screenings, such as blood tests and urine tests, to evaluate kidney function and identify potential issues early on.

By focusing on these measures, health plans can track the percentage of members receiving necessary kidney-related screenings and treatments. This data is crucial for identifying care gaps and improving overall health outcomes.

How At-Home Testing Closes Care Gaps

At-home diagnostic testing for kidney health can play a vital role in closing care gaps, particularly for those who may face barriers to in-person lab visits. Ash Wellness offers convenient at-home kidney function testing that allows patients to monitor their kidney health without needing to visit a healthcare facility. Here's how it works:

• Convenience: Patients can collect samples from the comfort of their homes, making it easier for those with barriers to healthcare or transportation challenges.
• Accessibility: At-home testing makes kidney health screenings and healthcare more accessible, especially in rural populations or underserved areas where access to healthcare facilities may be limited.
• Early Detection: Regular testing enables early detection of kidney issues, empowering patients to take action and potentially slow the progression of CKD.
• Closing Care Gaps: Many patients may miss routine screenings due to logistical issues or fear of visiting a lab. At-home testing helps bridge these gaps, ensuring more people are screened for CKD.

Improving HEDIS Scores with At-Home Kidney Health Testing

Health plans are continuously looking for ways to improve HEDIS scores, and addressing kidney health is a key area where this can be achieved. By providing at-home testing solutions for CKD, health plans can ensure that more members undergo necessary screenings, which directly impacts HEDIS measures for kidney health.

Here’s how at-home testing supports health plans in improving HEDIS scores:

• Increased Screening Rates: Testing at home can improve patient engagement; they are more likely to participate in routine screenings, which improves the health plan’s compliance rates for kidney-related HEDIS measures.
• Better Data Collection: At-home testing provides health plans with accurate and timely data on kidney health, helping them identify patients who may need further intervention or management.
• Closing Healthcare Gaps: By offering a convenient testing option, health plans can reduce missed opportunities for care, ensuring that patients receive the necessary screenings to catch CKD early.

The Ripple Effect on Other HEDIS Measures

When health plans address HEDIS measures for kidney health, it often has a positive impact on other HEDIS scores as well. For example:

• Diabetes Management: CKD is closely linked with diabetes. By improving kidney health screening rates, health plans can also enhance care for diabetic patients, as many HEDIS diabetes measures overlap with kidney care.
• Blood Pressure Control: Effective management of kidney disease often requires controlling blood pressure, another HEDIS measure. By ensuring kidney health, health plans can also improve their scores related to hypertension management.

Conclusion

At-home testing for kidney health is a game changer for closing care gaps and improving HEDIS measures for kidney health. By offering accessible, convenient solutions, Ash helps health plans boost their HEDIS scores, improve patient outcomes, and create a more proactive approach to managing chronic kidney disease. Regular screenings, early detection, and effective data collection are critical in the fight against CKD, and at-home testing is a key tool in making this possible.

Let Ash help your health plan improve HEDIS scores and close healthcare gaps with innovative at-home kidney health testing. You can contact us here for more information on how Ash can support your healthcare initiatives.

‍