Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
Reliability of Artificial Intelligence-Based Cone Beam Computed Tomography Integration with Digital Dental Images
Published on: February 23, 2024
Accuracy of record linkage software in merging dental administrative data sets
Heather Beil1, John S Preisser, R Gary Rozier
1School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. hbeil@email.unc.edu
Objective:
To determine the accuracy of record matching using "Link King" software that uses an ordinal score for the certainty that linked records are valid matches.
Methods:
We linked records in North Carolina Medicaid files to public health surveillance files using Link King matching software. We selected a stratified random sample of 230 of 45,295 linked records and 50 of 35,119 non-linked surveillance records, then manually reviewed the records. Sensitivity (Sn) and Specificity (Sp) were calculated based on each cut point of the Link King score, using manual review as the gold standard.
Results:
The Sn increased from 0.837 (95% CI: 0.785, 0.892) to 0.935 (0.879, 0.994) and Sp decreased from 0.893 (0.816, 0.976) to 0.865 (0.790, 0.947) as cut points were varied to widen the scope of declared matches. With a goal of both Sn and Sp being large, accuracy was best when linked record pairs from the top three levels of certainty were included in the match.
Conclusions:
This study found that a publicly available software program accurately merged Medicaid and surveillance data. The Link King could be useful to researchers in merging administrative databases.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Data Reporting and Recording
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:18Methods of Documentation I: Source-Oriented Records
In an SOR, each discipline involved in patient care maintains a separate medical record section. This record-keeping method enables easy tracking of patient progress and ensures healthcare staff have access to up-to-date information.
Key Attributes include the following:
01:18Types of Records II: Educational and Administrative Records
01:11Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
01:19Purpose of Health Records II