title: The effect of a fitness program on health status and health care consumption in Medicare MCOs.
abstract: This study examined the effect of a fitness program for Medicare MCOs on health status and health care utilization of participants. An evaluation compared outcome measures between high-level and low-level participants of the program. High-level participants scored higher on the Health Outcomes Survey and also had fewer doctor visits during the program period compared with low-level participants. The authors conclude that elderly individuals who participated at the high-level rate in a targeted fitness program maintained or improved health status and had fewer outpatient visits compared with the low-level participants. Medicare MCOs may improve health and manage costs for members by employing similar interventions focusing on functional health through exercise.
authors.affiliation: HealthCare Dimensions, Inc., Tempe, Arizona, USA. brigita@hcdimensions.com
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Fody-Urias
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fillit
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D020446:Fitness Centers; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006278:Medicare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D014481:United States