Using databases for studying and comparing health care costs and resource use

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Outcomes Research
• Health Economics

Background:

• Medical insurance claims databases are increasingly utilized in health outcomes research.
• These databases provide a rich source of information for studying healthcare costs and resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the opportunities and limitations of using claims data for health care cost and resource use research.
• To provide guidance and examples for researchers conducting cost and resource use studies using databases.

Main Methods:

• Examination of reasons for using databases in cost and resource use studies.
• Identification of desirable database attributes, potential pitfalls, and associated issues.
• Review of appropriate methodologies for database research in health economics.

Main Results:

• Databases present significant opportunities for health care cost and resource use research.
• Key considerations include database quality, methodological appropriateness, and acknowledging limitations.

Conclusions:

• Claims databases are a powerful tool for health outcomes research on costs and resource use.
• Responsible research necessitates acknowledging limitations and employing robust methodologies.