HEDIS Measure Infographic – Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness

HEDIS Measure Infographic – Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness

HEDIS Measure Infographic: Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness (FUH)

HEDIS Measure: The Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness (FUH) is a Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measure that assesses the rate at which patients receive follow-up care within 7 and 30 days after being discharged from an inpatient psychiatric facility.

Improving Patient Health Outcomes: This measure improves patient health outcomes by ensuring that individuals with mental illness receive the necessary care and support after hospitalization. Timely follow-up care reduces the risk of relapse, improves medication adherence, provides ongoing support, and helps patients transition smoothly back into the community.

Patient Eligibility Criteria: The FUH measure applies to all patients aged 6 years and older who have been discharged from an inpatient psychiatric facility following treatment for mental illness.

Data Elements: To fulfill the measure, two data elements must be collected from the patient’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) or claims data:

Date of hospital discharge
Date of follow-up visit within 7 or 30 days after discharge

Organization Actions: To fulfill the measure, the organization must:

Ensure that patients are scheduled for a follow-up visit before discharge
Coordinate with outpatient providers to ensure timely appointments and continuity of care

Patient Responsibility: Patients must attend their scheduled follow-up visit within 7 or 30 days after discharge, as instructed by their healthcare provider.

Follow-Up Process: If the patient does not comply with the measure, the organization should implement a proactive outreach process, such as sending reminders or making phone calls, to encourage and facilitate the scheduling of a follow-up appointment.

Risk Factors for Marginalized Groups: Failure to comply with the FUH measure can disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority ethnic groups. These groups may face barriers such as limited access to healthcare services, language barriers, stigma, discrimination, and lack of social support. Addressing these inequities is essential to ensure equitable healthcare outcomes for all patients.

Sources:

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). (2021). HEDIS & Performance Measurement. Retrieved from https://www.ncqa.org/hedis/
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (n.d.). Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness (FUH). Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/MMS/QM/Downloads/Fact-Sheet-FUH.pdf