Risk adjustment for socioeconomic status or other sociodemographic factors

Risk adjustment (also known as case-mix adjustment) refers to statistical methods to control or account for patient-related factors when computing performance measure scores; methods include multivariable modeling, indirect standardization, or direct standardization. Risk adjusting outcome performance measures to account for differences in patient health status and clinical factors (e.g., comorbidities, severity of illness) that are present at the start of care is widely accepted. This report explores adjusting performance measures for sociodemographic status (SDS) when appropriate.