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Using GIS in Government: An Overview of the VHA's Healthcare Atlas, FY-2000

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Abstract

The amount of VA data available for analysis can be overwhelming to individuals who need to translate these data into usable information. The Atlas, using current GIS technology, was funded to provide data in a comprehensive guide. Patients were identified using a disease classification scheme based on Kaiser Permanente methodology and the Clinical Classifications Software (AHRQ). Utilization data were extracted from the Medical SAS Datasets. Cost data were obtained from the HERC. GIS tools were used to create the Atlas. The Atlas overviews the location of VA hospitals; profiles veteran, VA enrollee and patient populations; examines overall utilization; depicts patterns in healthcare use by specific disease cohorts; and examines geographic variations in costs. This product will enhance knowledge of VA's enrolled patient population and their healthcare needs, and provide background information that will improve the formulation of specific research questions to address those needs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. VA HSR&D/RR&D Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center of Excellence, Gainesville, Florida

    Diane Cowper

  2. Brooks Center for Rehabilitation Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

    Diane Cowper

  3. VA Information Resource Center, Hines, Illinois

    Diane Cowper

  4. VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto, California

    W. Yu

  5. HSR&D Center of Excellence, Houston, Texas

    Mark Kuebeler

  6. VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Hines, Illinois

    Joseph D. Kubal

  7. Institute for Health Services Research and Policy Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois

    Larry M. Manheim

  8. VHA Office of Policy and Planning, Planning System Support Group, Gainesville, Florida

    Bruce A. Ripley

Authors
  1. Diane Cowper
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  2. W. Yu
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  3. Mark Kuebeler
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  4. Joseph D. Kubal
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  5. Larry M. Manheim
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  6. Bruce A. Ripley
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Cowper, D., Yu, W., Kuebeler, M. et al. Using GIS in Government: An Overview of the VHA's Healthcare Atlas, FY-2000. Journal of Medical Systems 28, 257–269 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOMS.0000032843.52406.2f

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOMS.0000032843.52406.2f

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