GH 301: Risk adjustment is not the same as proving an intervention works
A comparison between patient groups can be confounded by baseline risk. Risk adjustment aims to make a comparison more appropriate, but model limitations and unmeasured differences remain.
Original practice scenario
In an original programme evaluation, enrolled patients have lower subsequent costs but also lower baseline morbidity. Compare an adjusted outcome with the raw result and identify selection concerns. State what additional design or evidence would strengthen a causal claim instead of calling a correlation programme savings.
Study check
Write the assumptions, the decision being supported and one limitation. Use the current course syllabus for the required terminology and scope; this introductory guide is not a complete course summary.
Reading sources
ActNet editorial guide · October 1, 2026 · Original illustrative examples.