Session number: 1160
Workshop title: Using a New VA Health Care Cost Database--Decision Support System--for Health Services Research
Author(s):
W Yu HSR&D VA Health Economics Resource Center
J Bonsall VA Decision Support Office
HA Warren VA VISN Support Service Center
PG Barnett HSR&D VA Health Economics Resource Center
Objective(s): This workshop’s objective is to teach VA researchers to use the Decision Support System (DSS) National Data Extracts (NDEs) for research. This joint effort is from three VA agencies: Health Economics Resource Center, VISN Service Support Center, and the Decision Support Office. This workshop will:
(1) Teach researchers how to chose the best cost database for their research;
(2) Demonstrate how to merge DSS National Extracts with VA health care encounter files;
(3) Compare and contrast the data quality of DSS costs with Medicare and VA average cost databases;
(4) Exhibit NDE data summaries available at the VA KLF Menu Website and teach how to generate customized reports using the menu’s tools; and
(5) Preview new national extracts for laboratory tests, pharmacy, and accounting level budgets that will be available in the coming year.
Activities: This workshop is split into 5 sections. The first section compares data in several common cost databases (VA Average Cost database, VA Micro Cost database, DSS NDE database, and the Medicare database) and teaches how to choose the most appropriate data. The second section compares DSS costs with the VA average cost database, and Medicare reimbursement rates for selected health care services. The third section shows researchers how to merge VA health care encounter files (discharge, bed section, and outpatient) with DSS national extract files and illustrates how well the two databases reconcile in FY01. In the fourth section, an expert from VISN Service Support Center will describe data available at the VA KLF Menu Website as well as demonstrate how to access it and generate customized reports. Finally, the Deputy Director of Resource Management at the VA Decision Support Office will introduce new NDE extract files that will be available in the coming year.
Target audience: VA Health services researchers and managers
Audience familiarity: None