Disparities in Preventive Procedures: Comparing Self-Report and Medicare Claims Data
Author Information
Author(s): Kevin Fiscella, Kathleen Holt, Sean Meldrum, Peter Franks
Primary Institution: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hypothesis
Do estimates of racial and ethnic disparities in preventive procedures differ between self-report and Medicare claims data?
Conclusion
The study found that estimates of racial/ethnic disparities in preventive procedures vary depending on whether self-report or claims data are used.
Supporting Evidence
- Minorities were more likely to self-report preventive procedures in the absence of claims.
- Claims data showed larger racial/ethnic disparities compared to self-reports.
- Adjusted odds ratios indicated significant differences in reporting based on minority status.
Takeaway
This study shows that how we ask about health procedures can change the answers we get, especially for different races.
Methodology
The study analyzed self-report and Medicare claims data from beneficiaries aged 65 and older, focusing on six preventive procedures.
Potential Biases
Potential over-reporting by minorities and underestimation in claims data could bias the results.
Limitations
The sample was limited to community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, which may not generalize to other groups.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 42,949 majority participants, 4,168 African American, and 2,528 Hispanic observations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.07 to 1.83 for various procedures
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.88 – 2.30
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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