Administrative data for public health surveillance and planning

Electronically available administrative data are increasingly used by publi c health researchers and planners. The validity of the data source has been established, and its strengths and weaknesses relative to data abstracted from medical records and obtained via survey are documented. Administrative data are available from a variety of state, federal, and private sources a nd can, in many cases, be combined. As a tool for planning and surveillance , administrative data show great promise: They contain consistent elements, are available in a timely manner, and provide information about large numb ers of individuals. Because they are available in an electronic format, the y an relatively inexpensive to obtain and use. In the United States, howeve r, there is no administrative data set covering the entire population. Alth ough Medicare provides health care for an estimated 96% of the elderly, age 65 years and older, there is no comparable source for those under 65.