An algorithm using data from a comprehensive electronic health record system can identify diabetes patients earlier than any other method, according to a study published in BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making.
Researchers developed an algorithm using encounter diagnoses, clinical history, pharmacy data and laboratory results to identify diabetes cases. The algorithm was then applied to a population of 160,872 unique patients at a public hospital using a comprehensive EHR system during the study period (January 2009 to April 2011). Physician chart review was used to confirm identified cases of diabetes.
Results showed the algorithm had a positive predictive value of 90 percent and a negative predictive value of 96 percent for the identification of diabetes patients. The algorithm was able to identify potential diabetes patients sooner, well within the three-month window for routine glucose testing by physicians.
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