This survey measure assesses Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older who had a doctor’s visit in the past 12 months and who report that they:
- Spoke with a doctor or other health provider about their level of exercise or physical activity.
- Received advice to start, increase or maintain their level of exercise or physical activity.
Why It Matters
Physical activity can be defined as movement that increases your heart rate above its resting rate. Regular physical activity can help control weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, strengthen bones and muscles and improve mental health.1 Any amount of physical activity reduces the risk of developing certain chronic conditions and increases quality of life. Health care providers can help older adults attain and maintain health by providing advice on appropriate types and levels of activity.1
Results – National Averages
Physical Activity Discussion
| Year | Commercial HMO | Commercial PPO | Medicare HMO | Medicaid HMO | Medicare PPO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | — | — | — | 55.3 | 57.7 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | 55.1 | 58.4 |
| 2015 | — | — | — | 53.5 | 55.3 |
| 2014 | — | — | — | 55.9 | 56.6 |
| 2013 | — | — | — | 55.1 | 55.2 |
| 2012 | — | — | — | 54.5 | 55.5 |
| 2011 | — | — | — | 53 | 53.7 |
| 2010 | — | — | — | 52.3 | 53.9 |
| 2009 | — | — | — | 51.3 | 54.4 |
| 2008 | — | — | — | 51.5 | 54 |
| 2007 | — | — | — | 51.1 | 53 |
| 2006 | — | — | — | 50.3 | 53.6 |
| 2005 | — | — | — | 50.6 | 53.7 |
Physical Activity Advice
| Year | Commercial HMO | Commercial PPO | Medicare HMO | Medicaid HMO | Medicare PPO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | — | — | — | 52.3 | 51.1 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | 52 | 51.2 |
| 2015 | — | — | — | 50.5 | 49.9 |
| 2014 | — | — | — | 51.3 | 49.4 |
| 2013 | — | — | — | 50.4 | 48.2 |
| 2012 | — | — | — | 50.1 | 48.9 |
| 2011 | — | — | — | 48.7 | 47.6 |
| 2010 | — | — | — | 47.9 | 47.6 |
| 2009 | — | — | — | 46.9 | 47.8 |
| 2008 | — | — | — | 47 | 47.1 |
| 2007 | — | — | — | 46.1 | 46.7 |
| 2006 | — | — | — | 45.2 | 48.8 |
| 2005 | — | — | — | 43.7 | 46.3 |
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
- National Institutes of Health. Modified February 2012. “Senior Health. Exercise: Benefits of Exercise.” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health