This article is for primary care providers caring for our members
Keeping blood pressure under control can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like stroke and heart disease. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and many of them don’t even know it, according to the American Heart Association. Partnering with your patients on blood pressure and discussing the importance of blood pressure monitoring can help them understand how to control it.
"We’re using what we learn from our interviews with patients and clinicians to make changes,” said Dr. Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, an internist who specializes in family medicine and head of Atrius Health’s Equity Steering Committee.
Atrius’ innovative strategy includes:
Read more in Coverage, An innovative approach to inequities.
Here are some steps you can take for patients with high blood pressure:
Blood pressure readings can be taken remotely during telehealth or phone visits using digital reading devices that allow you to document results in your patients’ charts.
Many of our patients may be eligible to receive digital reading devices at no cost by using their health savings account, or by participating in one of our health management programs. We also work with third-party vendors like Livongo® to provide our members with tools and support to help them manage their blood pressure.
The HEDIS controlling high blood pressure (CPB) measure assesses adults:
When reporting on the HEDIS blood pressure control measure, it is okay to document the average blood pressure reading, but ranges are not eligible for use.
Eligible Federal Employee Program (FEP) members can access cuffs through the Hypertension Management Program. FEP members are automatically enrolled in this program when you submit a claim indicating they have hypertension.
Eligible Medicare Advantage members also have a remote monitoring program for hypertension. You can direct your patient to contact the Member Service phone number on their ID card for more information.
As always, thank you for the care you give to your patients—our members.
HEDIS®' is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
MPC_060722-1R-1