Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Health Outcomes Survey and Your Medicare Advantage Patients
EmblemHealth·Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +1 more·Provider News
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
The Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) is now active for Medicare Advantage patients (July-November annually), which affects Star Ratings and quality bonus payments. Healthcare practices should implement specific screening and assessment protocols during patient visits to improve HOS scores and quality metrics.
Action Required
During July-November HOS season: Providers should implement pre-visit checklists, use PHQ-9 depression screening tools, conduct standardized functional assessments for physical activity, discuss bladder control issues with patients, and ask about falls/balance changes during appointments. Clinical staff should dedicate time to review health history before appointments and customize care for patients with greater needs to improve Star Ratings scores.