Screening Rates and Characteristics of Health Plan Members Who Respond to Screening Reminders
Author Information
Author(s): Zhu Jun, Davis James, Taira Deborah A, Yamashita Marisa
Primary Institution: Hawaii Medical Service Association
Hypothesis
What characteristics influence health plan members' responses to screening reminders?
Conclusion
The response to reminders for health screenings varies by patient characteristics, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- Members responded better to reminders for diabetes screening than for colon cancer screening.
- Response rates declined with the number of reminders sent.
- Women generally had higher screening rates than men, but the difference was small.
Takeaway
This study found that people respond differently to reminders about health screenings, and younger, healthier members often ignore them.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from health plan members who were overdue for screenings and examined their responses to reminder letters using statistical models.
Potential Biases
The study did not account for family history, income, or ethnicity, which could influence screening behavior.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to other populations, as it only included members from one insurer in Hawaii and relied on administrative data.
Participant Demographics
Participants included active health plan members aged 18 to 90, with a mix of genders and various health coverage types.
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