(Part 4 of 4) How Smartwatches can help improve 14 CMS Star Ratings: Supporting Preventative Health Measures and Reducing Utilization Costs

Preventive care and reduced healthcare utilization are essential elements of CMS Star Ratings, particularly for DSNP members. Smartwatches encourage preventive health actions that can reduce hospitalizations, improve health outcomes, and support CMS Star Rating measures such as Annual Flu Vaccine and Reducing the Risk of Falling.

 Encouraging Preventive Screenings and Check-Ups

Smartwatches provide reminders for preventive screenings, which positively impact measures like Annual Flu Vaccine and Breast Cancer Screening. These reminders encourage members to schedule important screenings and vaccinations, identifying potential health issues early and reducing costly complications.

 Incentivizing Wellness Activities for Physical Health

The smartwatch’s wellness tracking features motivate members to maintain healthier lifestyles, which directly supports the Improving or Maintaining Physical Health measure. Daily step goals, activity challenges, and rewards engage members in healthier behavior, lowering their risk for chronic conditions.

 Emergency Support That Lowers Hospital Utilization

Features like fall detection and PERS calls provide critical emergency support, reducing members’ risk of prolonged hospitalizations. These features support the Reducing the Risk of Falling measure by ensuring members can quickly access assistance, preventing serious complications and supporting a health plan’s Star Ratings in utilization management.

 Real-World Cost Savings

According to recent data, smartwatch users saw a 16% reduction in monthly healthcare costs, benefiting Plan’s Care Coordination measures by reducing unnecessary admissions and ER visits. This cost reduction is beneficial for members and health plans alike, enhancing financial sustainability and supporting CMS Star Ratings.

 Conclusion

Through preventive health reminders, wellness incentives, and emergency support, smartwatches enable DSNP members to take proactive steps toward better health. These benefits lead to improved CMS Star Ratings in categories such as Annual Flu Vaccine, Improving or Maintaining Physical Health, and Reducing the Risk of Falling.