5124.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 1:00 PM

Abstract #8275

Diabetes data: Does good control mean compliance with national standards?

Kimberly Lane, MPH, Clinical Quality Measurement, Tufts Health Plan, 333 Wyman Street, PO Box 9112, Boston, MA 02454-9112, (800)442-9425 x8776, Kimberly_Lane@Tufts-health.com

Objectives: Using three sources of information, determine the relationship between diabetics in good control and 1) compliance with national standard guidelines of diabetes care and 2) satisfaction with diabetes care and 3) utilization/cost of care.

Diabetics are considered to be in 'good control' with an HbA1c level of less than 9.5. The American Diabetes Association has issued guidelines for diabetes care which are generally agreed upon and endorsed by the medical community. Previous studies (The DCCT Research Group) have shown the benefits to diabetics of good control. Managed Care Organizations (MCO) encourage their providers to follow established guidelines (and must do so to be accredited by NCQA). Are diabetics in good control following established guidelines? Does good/poor control correlate with satisfaction with diabetes care? How does good/poor control effect utilization/cost of care? Is self-report of good/poor control verified in medical records? If not, what are the differences between perceived good control and actual good control? Using a combination of medical records, claims data and self-report (from a CDC funded survey conducted in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health) a sample of diabetics enrolled in a large Massachusetts MCO were studied.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Evaluate the relationship between good diabetes control and satisfaction with diabetes care, compliance with diabetes care standards and utilization/cost of care. 2. Compare and contrast three methods of collecting diabetes data, claims, self-report from a survey and medical record review

Keywords: Data Collection, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA