Question #5
What is the difference between an end-result outcome and a utilization outcome?

Answer #5
An end-result outcome, also called a pure outcome, represents a change in patient health status between two or more time points in time, as evidenced by reported differences in the patient's physiologic, functional, cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioral health and functioning.

Examples of end-result outcomes:

• Improvement in Ambulation/Locomotion
• Stabilization in Bathing

A utilization outcome, also often referred to as a proxy outcome, represents a change in patient health status over time as indicated by utilization, or non-utilization, of medical services outside of home care. Such status changes are typically substantial, and often represent an untoward or negative health status trend.

Examples of utilization outcomes:

• Hospital admission
• Use of hospital emergency department services
• Discharge to the community

We would like to thank everyone for participating. Check back with us next Monday for another pop quiz question and an opportunity to win a $10 Starbucks gift card!

Kristi R. Wheeler, RN, HCS-D, COS-C is a Clinical Consultant for Kinnser Software, Inc., and the owner of ACCS (Agency Compliance & Consulting Service, LLC.), a company specializing in comprehensive OASIS review and ICD-9 coding. ACCS has a highly trained staff of nurses who have both the HCS-D and COS-C certifications. For more information, contact Kristi at kristi.wheeler@accscoder.com or (214)335-7321.