Prevention Saves Lives and Dollars: The Cost-Saving Power of HRST
A Smarter Investment in Healthcare
Healthcare costs continue to rise, and for organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), finding ways to deliver excellent care while protecting resources is a constant challenge.
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (OH DODD)’s evaluation of the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST®) shows that prevention is the answer. The HRST was developed by and is exclusive to IntellectAbility to help organizations assess health risks for people with IDD.
What is the HRST?
The HRST is the leading screening tool for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) risk management and support. It is a HIPAA-compliant, web-based rating instrument developed to detect health destabilization in at-risk populations and ensure that proper care and support are provided at all times to avoid unnecessary suffering and death.
The HRST monitors for health risks associated with various intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, which specifically affect systems of the body and the person’s ability to engage in life. This provides all supporters with the information needed to respond appropriately.
By identifying risks early, the HRST allows teams to assess an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and monitor body health, enabling action before issues become emergencies. The HRST assigns risk levels based on established criteria.
The HRST provides valuable information that helps teams understand and learn about health risks. This can lead to significant benefits for both individuals and organizations. Early identification of health risks can also support eligibility for disability benefits.
What Ohio Found
Supporters eligible to participate in the evaluation made one thing clear: the HRST makes a real difference.
- 79% expected fewer ER visits.
- 69% expected fewer unnecessary medications.
- 77% expected overall cost savings.
To ensure ongoing monitoring and support, regular HRST assessments should be scheduled over time.
Organizations looking for similar positive outcomes can use the HRST to support their teams and improve care. Consistent use of the HRST at different times helps maintain health and prevent emergencies.
Every avoided hospitalization or fall isn’t just a financial win. It means someone’s life was made safer, healthier, and less traumatic.
From Reactive to Proactive Risk Reduction
Traditionally, healthcare systems have spent most of their resources reacting to crises. The HRST flips that model. As one of the essential tools developed for risk reduction, the HRST gives agencies clear, objective insights, enabling proactive planning that prevents emergencies before they happen. Continuous oversight of health risks is crucial for effective risk reduction and operational stability.
For providers and payers, this shift is powerful. It means the HRST enables a range of solutions and actions that organizations can implement to start proactive planning, including:
- More accurate, individualized health plans.
- Reduced waste on avoidable care.
- Better outcomes for people supported.
- A more sustainable system overall.
- Support for field teams in their on-site work to assess and address risks.
These changes help teams respond appropriately to health risks and achieve effective risk reduction. The HRST enables organizations to expand their services and better protect the people they support. It also supports the work of healthcare professionals in the field, helping them deliver practical, on-site solutions.
The Bottom Line
The Ohio evaluation confirms what we’ve long known: investing in prevention is both the ethical and financially sound choice, and aligns with our mission to provide quality care.
With the HRST, organizations don’t have to choose between quality care and cost savings. They can achieve both while enhancing their service offerings and demonstrating a commitment to serving people with IDD. It is tested and trusted to deliver reliable results.
To read the full report, click here. For more resources, visit IntellectAbility’s website.
