In HEDIS terminology, what does "Utilization" refer to?

In HEDIS terminology, "Utilization" specifically refers to the use of healthcare services, which encompasses various interactions with the healthcare system, such as office visits, hospital admissions, and diagnostic testing. This concept is crucial for evaluating how effectively and frequently healthcare services are accessed by patients. Understanding utilization helps healthcare organizations identify patterns in patient care, ensuring that services are being used appropriately, which is essential for improving health outcomes and optimizing resource allocation.

This focus on the actual use of healthcare services allows for the assessment of healthcare accessibility and the efficiency of care delivery. Analyzing utilization data helps providers understand patient behavior, improve care processes, and potentially reduce unnecessary procedures, leading to more effective healthcare overall.