PAD: Use of High-Risk Medications in the Elderly
Percentage with no fills for Beers list high-risk medications (anticholinergics, benzos, antipsychotics in dementia, NSAIDs in CKD/HTN, etc.). Lower fill rate = better.
Measure description
Percentage with no fills for Beers list high-risk medications (anticholinergics, benzos, antipsychotics in dementia, NSAIDs in CKD/HTN, etc.). Lower fill rate = better.
Eligible population
Adults 65+
Performance drivers
Beers Criteria; Star measure.
Documentation & PA strategy
Avoid Beers list meds in 65+. Document trial + failure of safer alternatives if needed.
Why HEDIS matters for prior authorization
Health plans align prior authorization criteria with HEDIS measures: documenting your patient meets the HEDIS definition often streamlines or eliminates PA hurdles. For Medicare Advantage in particular, plans are heavily incentivized via Star Ratings to push members and providers toward measure compliance, which translates into faster approvals for measure-aligned services.
Frequently asked questions
What does HEDIS measure PAD measure?
Percentage with no fills for Beers list high-risk medications (anticholinergics, benzos, antipsychotics in dementia, NSAIDs in CKD/HTN, etc.). Lower fill rate = better.
What drives performance on this measure?
Beers Criteria; Star measure.
How should clinicians document for this measure?
Avoid Beers list meds in 65+. Document trial + failure of safer alternatives if needed.
What is the eligible population?
Adults 65+
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