Messaging Intervention to Increase Medicare Annual Wellness Visits -- The NUDGE AWV Clinical Trial

Overview

Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) are critical for addressing preventive care needs among older adults, yet the most recent estimates from the Center for Medicare Services suggest less than 50% of eligible patients take advantage of this free healthcare benefit. Behavioral science-informed messaging interventions offer a promising strategy to increase AWV participation by guiding patient behavior. In this study, investigators will evaluate a health system initiative that utilizes personalized email and text messages to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to schedule and attend their AWVs. This approach aims to boost patient engagement in preventive health services, ultimately improving care outcomes for older adult populations

The Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) to encourage preventive care and improve long-term health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. These visits are designed to provide a proactive approach to healthcare by focusing on identifying risk factors, updating medical histories, and developing personalized prevention plans that promote early detection of diseases. By prioritizing prevention over treatment, AWVs help reduce the overall cost burden on the healthcare system while enhancing patient engagement and empowering individuals to take a more active role in managing their health. Yet despite these benefits, most Medicare members who are eligible for an AWV - at no cost to them - do not complete one. Behavioral science research suggests that personalized messages, designed to facilitate action, can have significant impacts on health behavior. Studies have found these messaging interventions can increase vaccination rates, cancer screening rates, and other care gap closure.