The Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) provides information on the physical and mental health functioning of Medicare beneficiaries, an area lacking in data. We examined activities of daily living and mental health to assess how the elderly in North Carolina perceive their health. The Health Service Advisory Group, using a mailed survey, collected the HOS data in 1998. In NC, the survey was sent to a random sample of 4,000 Medicare beneficiaries, enrolled in managed care plans. We limited our analysis to NC beneficiaries age 65+ without end-stage-renal-disease. The response rate was 60.6% (n=2211). Of the respondents, the mean age was 73.9 years, 94.0% were Caucasian, and 59.3% were female. Approximately 67.7% reported limited ability to kneel or bend, 45.3% reported limited ability to climb one flight of stairs, and 45.9% reported limited ability to lift or carry groceries. During the previous year 20.5% reported feeling depressed for 2 weeks or more. Females were more likely to report depression than males (Odds ratios (OR)=1.4 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.1-1.7) and those age 75+ were more likely to report depression compared to those 65-74 (OR=1.4 CI=1.2-1.8). The most common chronic conditions included high blood pressure (52.4%), arthritis of the hand/wrist (36.3%), or arthritis of the hip/knee (40.8%). The HOS gives physicians and other health care professionals insights into the burden medical and psychiatric conditions place on the elderly. These data provide information on the prevalence of chronic conditions and a way to measure the "normal" functional status of the elderly.
Learning Objectives: Through this session, the participant will be able to (1)gain an understanding of the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey, (2)identify potential areas (physical and mental) of concern among the elderly, (3) recognize the value and versatility of Medicare data in conducting research
Keywords: Medicare, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.