Taking proactive measures is vital when pursuing a healthier and more fulfilling life. One measure is
utilizing Health Risk Assessments (HRAs), which provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's health risks and lifestyle factors.
Understanding HRAs and what they measure
HRAs generally involve in-depth questionnaires that include an individual's medical history, current health status, and lifestyle choices. The objective is to identify potential health issues early on, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being by making informed decisions about their health. HRAs can measure the following:
- Health history analysis: HRAs delve into an individual's medical history, unraveling the intricate threads of their health journey. This could include past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family health patterns.
- Current health status examination: Assessing present health status is essential. HRAs explore current health conditions and identify any ongoing health issues or concerns that might require preventative measures or immediate attention.
- Lifestyle choices and habits: Understanding lifestyle choices is key to preventive care. HRAs inquire about habits such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and stress levels, painting a comprehensive picture of the individual's daily life and potential health risks associated with their lifestyle.
The importance of HRAs in care
- Early detection and prevention: HRAs enable early detection, providing healthcare professionals with crucial information necessary to identify and address potential health risks before they escalate. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of severe health issues.
- Personalized recommendations: Through a comprehensive assessment, HRAs generate personalized recommendations for improving health and preventing diseases. These
recommendations then provide tailored care approaches to empower individuals to make lifestyle changes aligned with their specific health requirements.
The Modivcare impact on member health
For companies in the healthcare sector, such as Modivcare, specializing in non-emergency medical transportation, personal care, virtual and remote patient monitoring, and integrated supportive care, HRAs are transformative. Below are two ways HRAs support our member’s health:
- Efficient tailoring of services: At Modivcare, leveraging HRAs ensures tailored services to meet the unique health needs of our members. In non-emergency medical transportation, for instance, understanding individual health risks allows efficient routing, which provides timely and appropriate transportation for those with specific health conditions.
- Targeted monitoring and care: In the realm of remote patient monitoring, HRAs empower our team to provide more targeted care. The insights gained through HRA assessments allow us to monitor members with specific health conditions closely, ensuring a higher quality of care and better health outcomes.
Charting paths to a better tomorrow
HRAs offer a proactive and personalized approach to health and wellness. By embracing the power of HRAs, we, as healthcare leaders, can empower individuals to take control of their health, make informed decisions, and address systemic disparities in access to care. Together, let us unlock the full potential of HRAs to promote overall well-being and shape a future where health and wellness are truly empowered for all.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Framework for Patient-Centered Health Risk Assessments. CDC; 2011. URL
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health Risk Assessments. CMS; n.d. URL
- Better Medicare Alliance. Health Risk Assessments: Fact Sheet April 2021. Better Medicare Alliance; April 2021. URL
