help button home button JAMIA Bigger figures
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Newman, T. B.
Right arrow Articles by Brown, A. N.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Newman, T. B.
Right arrow Articles by Brown, A. N.
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association 4:233-237 (1997)
© 1997 American Medical Informatics Association

Implementation Brief

Use of Commercial Record Linkage Software and Vital Statistics to Identify Patient Deaths

Thomas B. Newman, MD, MPH and Andrew N. Brown, MD, MPH

Affiliations of the authors: Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (TBN), Laboratory Medicine (TBN, ANB), and Pediatrics (TBN), School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA.

Correspondence to: Thomas B. Newman, MD, MPH, UCSF Box 0560, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Francisco, CA 94143.E-mail: newman{at}cdrp.ucsf.edu

Abstract We evaluated the ability of a microcomputer program (Automatch) to link patient records in our hospital's database (N = 253,836) with mortality files from California (N = 1,312,779) and the U.S. Social Security Administration (N = 13,341,581). We linked 96.5% of 3,448 in-hospital deaths, 99.3% for patients with social security numbers. None of 14,073 patients known to be alive (because they were subsequently admitted) was linked with California deaths, and only 6 (0.1%) of 6,444 were falsely identified as dead in the United States file. For patients with unknown vital status but items in the database likely to be associated with high 3-year mortality rates, we identified death records of 88% of 494 patients with cancer metastatic to the liver, 84% of 164 patients with pancreatic cancer, and 91% of 126 patients with CD4 counts of less than 50. Hospital data can be accurately linked with state and national vital statistics using commercial record linkage software.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 CirculationHome page
J. F. Sabik III, A. Stockins, E. R. Nowicki, E. H. Blackstone, P. L. Houghtaling, B. W. Lytle, and F. D. Loop
Does Location of the Second Internal Thoracic Artery Graft Influence Outcome of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?
Circulation, September 30, 2008; 118(14_suppl_1): S210 - S215.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
A. M. Gillinov, E. H. Blackstone, A. Alaulaqi, J. F. Sabik III, T. Mihaljevic, L. G. Svensson, P. L. Houghtaling, A. Salemi, D. R. Johnston, and B. W. Lytle
Outcomes After Repair of the Anterior Mitral Leaflet for Degenerative Disease
Ann. Thorac. Surg., September 1, 2008; 86(3): 708 - 717.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
T. Mihaljevic, E. R. Nowicki, J. Rajeswaran, E. H. Blackstone, L. Lagazzi, J. Thomas, B. W. Lytle, and D. M. Cosgrove
Survival after valve replacement for aortic stenosis: Implications for decision making.
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., June 1, 2008; 135(6): 1270 - 1279.e12.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
R. K. Kaple, R. T. Murphy, L. M. DiPaola, P. L. Houghtaling, H. M. Lever, B. W. Lytle, E. H. Blackstone, and N. G. Smedira
Mitral Valve Abnormalities in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Echocardiographic Features and Surgical Outcomes
Ann. Thorac. Surg., May 1, 2008; 85(5): 1527 - 1535.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
A. R. Kamdar, T. A. Meadows, E. E. Roselli, E. Z. Gorodeski, R. J. Curtin, J. F. Sabik, P. Schoenhagen, R. D. White, B. W. Lytle, S. D. Flamm, et al.
Multidetector Computed Tomographic Angiography in Planning of Reoperative Cardiothoracic Surgery
Ann. Thorac. Surg., April 1, 2008; 85(4): 1239 - 1245.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
T. Bhattacharyya, S. J. Nicholls, E. J. Topol, R. Zhang, X. Yang, D. Schmitt, X. Fu, M. Shao, D. M. Brennan, S. G. Ellis, et al.
Relationship of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) Gene Polymorphisms and Functional Activity With Systemic Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk
JAMA, March 19, 2008; 299(11): 1265 - 1276.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 ANN INTERN MEDHome page
M. S. Lauer, C. E. Pothier, D. J. Magid, S. S. Smith, and M. W. Kattan
An Externally Validated Model for Predicting Long-Term Survival after Exercise Treadmill Testing in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease and a Normal Electrocardiogram
Ann Intern Med, December 18, 2007; 147(12): 821 - 828.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Am Coll CardiolHome page
E. S.H. Kim, H. Ishwaran, E. Blackstone, and M. S. Lauer
External Prognostic Validations and Comparisons of Age- and Gender-Adjusted Exercise Capacity Predictions
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 6, 2007; 50(19): 1867 - 1875.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
M. S. Lauer, D. Martino, H. Ishwaran, and E. H. Blackstone
Quantitative Measures of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Mass, Conduction, and Repolarization, and Long-Term Survival After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Circulation, August 21, 2007; 116(8): 888 - 893.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Clin. Chem.Home page
C. R. deFilippi, S. L. Seliger, S. Maynard, and R. H. Christenson
Impact of Renal Disease on Natriuretic Peptide Testing for Diagnosing Decompensated Heart Failure and Predicting Mortality
Clin. Chem., August 1, 2007; 53(8): 1511 - 1519.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur Heart JHome page
S. K. Thambidorai, S. J. Jaffer, T. K. Shah, W. J. Stewart, A. L. Klein, and M. S. Lauer
Association of atheroma as assessed by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography with long-term mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Eur. Heart J., June 6, 2007; (2007) ehm180v1.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur J EchocardiogrHome page
H. Yamada, T. Tabata, S. J. Jaffer, J. K. Drinko, S. E. Jasper, M. S. Lauer, J. D. Thomas, and A. L. Klein
Clinical features of mixed physiology of constriction and restriction: Echocardiographic characteristics and clinical outcome
Eur J Echocardiogr, June 1, 2007; 8(3): 185 - 194.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Am Coll CardiolHome page
S. K. Bhudia, P. M. McCarthy, G. S. Kumpati, J. Helou, K. J. Hoercher, J. Rajeswaran, and E. H. Blackstone
Improved Outcomes After Aortic Valve Surgery for Chronic Aortic Regurgitation With Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., April 3, 2007; 49(13): 1465 - 1471.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
I. M. Tleyjeh, H. M.K. Ghomrawi, J. M. Steckelberg, T. L. Hoskin, Z. Mirzoyev, N. S. Anavekar, F. Enders, S. Moustafa, F. Mookadam, W. C. Huskins, et al.
The Impact of Valve Surgery on 6-Month Mortality in Left-Sided Infective Endocarditis
Circulation, April 3, 2007; 115(13): 1721 - 1728.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
A. S.Y. Chang, N. G. Smedira, C. L. Chang, M. M. Benavides, U. Myhre, J. Feng, E. H. Blackstone, and B. W. Lytle
Cardiac surgery after mediastinal radiation: Extent of exposure influences outcome
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., February 1, 2007; 133(2): 404 - 413.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Intern MedHome page
M. S. Lauer, S. C. Murthy, E. H. Blackstone, I. C. Okereke, and T. W. Rice
[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake by Positron Emission Tomography for Diagnosis of Suspected Lung Cancer: Impact of Verification Bias
Arch Intern Med, January 22, 2007; 167(2): 161 - 165.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
A. S. Go, W. Y. Lee, J. Yang, J. C. Lo, and J. H. Gurwitz
Statin therapy and risks for death and hospitalization in chronic heart failure.
JAMA, November 1, 2006; 296(17): 2105 - 2111.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
P. A. Walts, S. C. Murthy, A. C. Arroliga, J.-P. Yared, J. Rajeswaran, T. W. Rice, B. W. Lytle, and E. H. Blackstone
Tracheostomy after cardiovascular surgery: An assessment of long-term outcome
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., April 1, 2006; 131(4): 830 - 837.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
Thromboembolism after pneumonectomy for malignancy: An independent marker of poor outcome.
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., March 1, 2006; 131(3): 711 - 718.


Home page
 JAMAHome page
M. H. Shishehbor, D. Litaker, C. E. Pothier, and M. S. Lauer
Association of Socioeconomic Status With Functional Capacity, Heart Rate Recovery, and All-Cause Mortality
JAMA, February 15, 2006; 295(7): 784 - 792.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur Heart JHome page
S. J. Brener, B. W. Lytle, I. P. Casserly, S. G. Ellis, E. J. Topol, and M. S. Lauer
Predictors of revascularization method and long-term outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention or repeat coronary bypass surgery in patients with multivessel coronary disease and previous coronary bypass surgery
Eur. Heart J., February 2, 2006; 27(4): 413 - 418.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
C. R. Henry, D. Satran, B. Lindgren, C. Adkinson, C. I. Nicholson, and T. D. Henry
Myocardial Injury and Long-term Mortality Following Moderate to Severe Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
JAMA, January 25, 2006; 295(4): 398 - 402.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
K. G. Tarakji, R. Brunken, P. M. McCarthy, M. O. Al-Chekakie, A. Abdel-Latif, C. E. Pothier, E. H. Blackstone, and M. S. Lauer
Myocardial Viability Testing and the Effect of Early Intervention in Patients With Advanced Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Circulation, January 17, 2006; 113(2): 230 - 237.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
J. O. O'Neill, J. B. Young, C. E. Pothier, and M. S. Lauer
Peak Oxygen Consumption as a Predictor of Death in Patients With Heart Failure Receiving {beta}-Blockers
Circulation, May 10, 2005; 111(18): 2313 - 2318.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
B. W. Lytle, E. H. Blackstone, J. F. Sabik, P. Houghtaling, F. D. Loop, and D. M. Cosgrove
The Effect of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting on Survival During 20 Postoperative Years
Ann. Thorac. Surg., December 1, 2004; 78(6): 2005 - 2014.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
M. S. Chen, E. H. Blackstone, C. E. Pothier, and M. S. Lauer
Heart Rate Recovery and Impact of Myocardial Revascularization on Long-Term Mortality
Circulation, November 2, 2004; 110(18): 2851 - 2857.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
M. K. Aktas, V. Ozduran, C. E. Pothier, R. Lang, and M. S. Lauer
Global Risk Scores and Exercise Testing for Predicting All-Cause Mortality in a Preventive Medicine Program
JAMA, September 22, 2004; 292(12): 1462 - 1468.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Am Coll CardiolHome page
J. O. O'Neill, J. B. Young, C. E. Pothier, and M. S. Lauer
Severe frequent ventricular ectopy after exercise as a predictor of death in patients with heart failure
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., August 18, 2004; 44(4): 820 - 826.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Homicide StudiesHome page
J. Van Court and R. B. Trent
Why Didn't We Get Them All?: Analyzing Unlinked Records in California's Linked Homicide File
Homicide Studies, August 1, 2004; 8(3): 311 - 321.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
S. J. Brener, B. W. Lytle, I. P. Casserly, J. P. Schneider, E. J. Topol, and M. S. Lauer
Propensity Analysis of Long-Term Survival After Surgical or Percutaneous Revascularization in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease and High-Risk Features
Circulation, May 18, 2004; 109(19): 2290 - 2295.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Diabetes CareHome page
S. R. Wilson, B. A. Vakili, W. Sherman, T. A. Sanborn, and D. L. Brown
Effect of Diabetes on Long-Term Mortality Following Contemporary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Analysis of 4,284 cases
Diabetes Care, May 1, 2004; 27(5): 1137 - 1142.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Am Coll CardiolHome page
M. C. Kontos, R. Shah, L. M. Fritz, F. P. Anderson, J. L. Tatum, J. P. Ornato, and R. L. Jesse
Implication of different cardiac troponin I levels for clinical outcomes and prognosis of acute chest pain patients
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 17, 2004; 43(6): 958 - 965.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Am Coll CardiolHome page
D. P. Vivekananthan, E. H. Blackstone, C. E. Pothier, and M. S. Lauer
Heart rate recovery after exercise is apredictor of mortality, independent of the angiographic severity of coronary disease
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 3, 2003; 42(5): 831 - 838.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 NEJMHome page
J. P. Frolkis, C. E. Pothier, E. H. Blackstone, and M. S. Lauer
Frequent Ventricular Ectopy after Exercise as a Predictor of Death
N. Engl. J. Med., February 27, 2003; 348(9): 781 - 790.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
J. Watanabe, M. Thamilarasan, E. H. Blackstone, J. D. Thomas, and M. S. Lauer
Heart Rate Recovery Immediately After Treadmill Exercise and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction as Predictors of Mortality: The Case of Stress Echocardiography
Circulation, October 16, 2001; 104(16): 1911 - 1916.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
P. A. Gum, M. Thamilarasan, J. Watanabe, E. H. Blackstone, and M. S. Lauer
Aspirin Use and All-Cause Mortality Among Patients Being Evaluated for Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: A Propensity Analysis
JAMA, September 12, 2001; 286(10): 1187 - 1194.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
E. O. Nishime, C. R. Cole, E. H. Blackstone, F. J. Pashkow, and M. S. Lauer
Heart Rate Recovery and Treadmill Exercise Score as Predictors of Mortality in Patients Referred for Exercise ECG
JAMA, September 20, 2000; 284(11): 1392 - 1398.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1997 by the American Medical Informatics Association.