The two rates of this measure assess follow-up care for children prescribed an ADHD medication:
- Initiation Phase: Assesses children between 6 and 12 years of age who were diagnosed with ADHD and had one follow-up visit with a practitioner with prescribing authority within 30 days of their first prescription of ADHD medication.
- Continuation and Maintenance Phase: Assesses children between 6 and 12 years of age who had a prescription for ADHD medication and remained on the medication for at least 210 days, and had at least two follow-up visits with a practitioner in the 9 months after the Initiation Phase.
The Follow-Up Care for Children Prescribed ADHD Medication measure is also available in an ECDS format. Please visit ECDS webpage and NCQA Store for more information.
Why It Matters
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. 11% of American children have been diagnosed with ADHD. The main features include hyperactivity, impulsiveness and an inability to sustain attention or concentration.1,2 Of these children, 6.1% are taking ADHD medication.1
When managed appropriately, medication for ADHD can control symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inability to sustain concentration. To ensure that medication is prescribed and managed correctly, it is important that children be monitored by a pediatrician with prescribing authority.
Results – National Averages
Follow-Up Care After Initiation of Treatment
| Measure Year | Commercial HMO | Commercial PPO | Medicaid HMO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 43.3 | 40.4 | 43.6 |
| 2021 | 38.7 | 35.6 | 39.7 |
| 2020 | 42.1 | 40.0 | 43.9 |
| 2019 | 40.7 | 39.4 | 42.3 |
| 2018 | 40.6 | 39.6 | 44.2 |
| 2017 | 41.6 | 39.9 | 44.6 |
| 2016 | 40.0 | 39.0 | 44.5 |
| 2015 | 39.4 | 38.6 | 42.2 |
| 2014 | 38.2 | 36.7 | 40.1 |
| 2013 | 39.9 | 38.3 | 39.6 |
| 2012 | 38.6 | 38.1 | 39.0 |
| 2011 | 39.4 | 39.4 | 38.8 |
| 2010 | 38.8 | 38.1 | 38.1 |
| 2009 | 36.6 | 35.4 | 36.6 |
| 2008 | 35.8 | 34.1 | 34.4 |
| 2007 | 33.7 | 31.8 | 33.5 |
| 2006 | 33.0 | 30.6 | 31.8 |
Follow-Up Care During Continuation of Treatment
| Measure Year | Commercial HMO | Commercial PPO | Medicaid HMO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 48.5 | 46.7 | 53.1 |
| 2021 | 46.7 | 44.1 | 50 |
| 2020 | 48.8 | 47.4 | 53.5 |
| 2019 | 47.0 | 46.7 | 53.1 |
| 2018 | 49.7 | 46.8 | 54.6 |
| 2017 | 48.2 | 46.5 | 55.0 |
| 2016 | 46.5 | 45.8 | 54.5 |
| 2015 | 47.7 | 46.0 | 50.9 |
| 2014 | 46.5 | 43.5 | 47.5 |
| 2013 | 46.8 | 45.3 | 46.4 |
| 2012 | 45.7 | 44.9 | 45.3 |
| 2011 | 44.2 | 44.9 | 45.9 |
| 2010 | 43.4 | 43.3 | 43.9 |
| 2009 | 41.7 | 39.0 | 41.7 |
| 2008 | 40.2 | 37.1 | 39.5 |
| 2007 | 38.7 | 34.2 | 38.9 |
| 2006 | 38.1 | 30.0 | 34.0 |
This State of Healthcare Quality Report classifies health plans differently than NCQA’s Quality Compass. HMO corresponds to All LOBs (excluding PPO and EPO) within Quality Compass. PPO corresponds to PPO and EPO within Quality Compass.
Figures do not account for changes in the underlying measure that could break trending. Contact Information Products via my.ncqa.org for analysis that accounts for trend breaks.
References
- Visser, S.N., M.L. Danielson, R.H. Bitsko, J.R. Holbrook, M.D. Kogan, R.M. Ghandour, … & S.J. Blumberg. 2014. “Trends in the parent-report of health care provider-diagnosed and medicated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: United States, 2003—2011.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 53(1), 34–46.
- The American Psychiatric Association. 2012. Children’s Mental Health. http://www.psychiatry.org/mental-health/people/children