COMPARING CLAIMS DATA AND SELF-REPORTED DATA WITH THE MEDICAL RECORD FOR PAP SMEAR RATES

The objective of this study war to assess and compare the relative acc uracy of claims data and patient self-reported information with medica l records for Pap smear rates. A retrospective analysis of information obtained from administrative claims files, patient medical records, a nd a telephone survey was performed of 400 women age 19 through 75 yea rs who were randomly selected for participation in the study. The data were obtained from a large multispecialty group practice in Minneapol is, Minnesota for the study years 1991 through 1993. Information from administrative claims regarding Pap smear status corresponded highly w ith information in the medical record (sensitivity 95% or higher; spec ificity 95% or higher; kappa 0.896 or better). Self-reported informati on from the telephone survey did not correspond well with medical reco rd information nor with results in administrative claims.