Medicaid records as a valid data source: the Tennessee experience.

摘要: Health care researchers rarely employ Medicaid claim files as a data base, in part because they are designed to serve fiscal and administrative ends. Indeed, some investigators have emphasized the deficiencies such records. In contrast, we found Tennessee be suitable for research. A statewide automated processing system reduces occurrence of many errors noted by others. Further, analysis July 1974 month payment file illustrates accuracy internal consistency data. Specimen legend drug results ambulatory patients suggest investigations physician prescribing patterns. Evaluation claims suggests other applications health administration time when available resources dwindling, incisive use offers an attractive alternative expensive new systems collection analysis.