Vermont Medicaid produces this measure using the hybrid methodology, which combines administrative claims data with information taken from medical records. Blood pressure readings taken directly from the patient's medical record are required to run this measure. Therefore, the DVHA did not establish baseline for the Controlling High Blood Pressure measure until 2014 when we first used the hybrid data collection specifications for this measure. DVHA did not produce this measure in 2017 or 2018, but did run it again in 2019.

The red dashed trend line above is the 50th percentile national benchmark for Medicaid programs. The solid blue trend line is Vermont Medicaid's actual values.

This intermediate-outcome measure looks at whether blood pressure was controlled among adults 18-85 years of age who were diagnosed with hypertension. Control is demonstrated by the following criteria:

• Medicaid members 18-59 years of age whose blood pressure was <140/90 mm Hg.
• Medicaid members 60-85 years of age with a diagnosis of diabetes whose blood pressure was <140/90 mm Hg.
• Medicaid members 60-85 years of age without a diagnosis of diabetes whose blood pressure was <150/90 mm Hg.

The specifications of this measure are consistent with current clinical guidelines, such as those of the USPSTF and the Joint National Committee. Treatment to improve hypertension includes dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as appropriate use of medications.

Vermont Medicaid's performance on this measure has been below the national Medicaid 50th percentile benchmark.

Last updated: July 2019

Author: DVHA Quality Unit