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Medicare Patients and Depression Screening

Study evaluates how often assessment occurs

Publish date:: September 10, 2015

A cross sectional study of 5000 Medicare beneficiaries showed that screening for depression using quality indicators is low in those on the government-sponsored insurance plan.

The study, conducted in 34 clinics that were part of one healthcare system, revealed that only 17% were screened for depression. Conformance to measures ranged from 10% for the depression response measure to 77% for the depression remission measure.

Analysis of general screening, depression assessment, and screening after heart disease showed that blacks were more likely to be given care that conformed to criteria than whites. Investigators also found that 90% of the screens were administered at three sites.

They advised further evaluating the quality measures before implementing them widely.

Citation: Pfoh E, Mojabal R, Bailey J, et al. Conformance to Depression Process Measures of Medicare Part B Beneficiaries in Primary Care Settings. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015;63(7):1338-1345.

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