This measure shows the percentage of members 18-85 years of age who had a diagnosis of hypertension (HTN) and whose BP was adequately controlled (<140/90 mm Hg) during the measurement year.
The specifications of this measure are consistent with current clinical guidelines, such as those of the USPSTF and the Joint National Committee. Treatment to improve hypertension includes dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as appropriate use of medications.
Vermont Medicaid's performance on this measure has been below the national Medicaid 50th percentile benchmark.
Last updated: September 2021
Vermont Medicaid and OneCare VT's Quality Committees routinely align our work related to performance improvement projects. Both organizations regularly assess health outcomes for the populations we serve. This is done in part by producing key quality performance measures and analyzing our results. When this analysis indicates opportunities for improvement, we often partner together on new strategies and communication. In 2020 we joined forces with the Vermont Department of Health and are launching a project focused on management of hypertension (HTN).
Our project strategies will revolve around making blood pressure (BP) cuffs accessible and affordable, encouraging patients to join educational workshops that promote the importance of self-monitoring BPs and raising awareness amongst providers about measuring, diagnosing and documenting these BP readings in patient charts. Our team hopes that these interventions will enhance both care management and quality measure (CBP) data collection.