Compared to Distribution

an indicator guage with the arrow in the green the value is in the best half of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the yellow the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the red the value is in the worst quarter of communities.

Compared to Target

green circle with white tick inside it meets target; red circle with white cross inside it does not meet target.

Compared to a Single Value

green diamond with downward arrow inside it lower than the comparison value; red diamond with downward arrow inside it higher than the comparison value; blue diamond with downward arrow inside it not statistically different from comparison value.

Trend

green square outline with upward trending arrow inside it green square outline with downward trending arrow inside it non-significant change over time; green square with upward trending arrow inside it green square with downward trending arrow inside it significant change over time; blue square with equals sign no change over time.

Compared to Prior Value

green triangle with upward trending arrow inside it higher than the previous measurement period; green triangle with downward trending arrow inside it lower than the previous measurement period; blue equals sign no statistically different change from previous measurement period.

green chart bars Significantly better than the overall value

red chart bars Significantly worse than the overall value

light blue chart bars No significant difference with the overall value

gray chart bars No data on significance available

Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis: Medicare Population

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Measurement Period: 2022

This indicator shows the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries who were treated for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for persons aged 65 years or older, persons under age 65 years with certain disabilities, and persons of any age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Why is this important?

Arthritis is a collection of conditions and disorders of the joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues. According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and arthritis is the number 1 cause of disability in the U.S. Two common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA)and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis (OA), sometimes called degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. OA is characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage as well as bony overgrowth, leading to pain and joint stiffness. Common risk factors for OA include genetics, advanced age, obesity, and injury.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease that typically affects the small joints of the hands and feet, but can also impact other organs. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function of the affected joint. Treatments include medications, lifestyle changes and surgery.

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