Use of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Testing Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the likelihood of the use of glycosylated hemoglobin testing (HbA1c) among a cohort of patients with diabetes mellitus in a managed care setting. DESIGN: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of managed care claims data obtained from the private business claims (PSC) files of the Hawaii Medical Service Association for the calendar year 1995. A probit model was used to estimate the probability of the dependent variable (HbA1c). Independent variables specified in the model included age, gender, presence of common comorbidities, use of insulin and oral anti-diabetic agents, and type of insurance plan. The probit model was run for an n of 6,841 patients. SETTING: Health insurer in the state of Hawaii. Includes managed care and indemnity products. PATIENTS: 6,841 patients under 65 years old were identified by paid claims with ICD-9-CM codes of 250.xx. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of HbA1c testing. RESULTS: Age and gender are n...