• The target trendline in the graph above represents an accepted national benchmark percentile for Medicaid programs across the country. The value graphed historically was the national 50^th percentile for comparison purposes. In 2020 (for measurement year 2019) we modified the value shown to demonstrate a target based on our actual performance.  For this measure, the target is the 50^th national percentile.
• The annual reported rate captures activity during the previous calendar year.
• Vermont Medicaid produces this measure using the hybrid methodology, which combines administrative claims data with information taken from medical records. Blood pressure readings taken directly from the patient's medical record are required to run this measure. Therefore, DVHA did not establish baseline for the Controlling High Blood Pressure measure until 2014 when we first used the hybrid data collection specifications for this measure. DVHA did not produce this measure in 2017 or 2018, but did start running it again in 2019.

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.                                                       

• Adequate control is defined as both a representative systolic BP <140 mm Hg and a representative diastolic BP of <90 mm Hg.

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.