Variation In Testing Rates Research Articles

A comparison of COVID-19 incidence rates across six European countries in 2021.

International comparisons of COVID-19 incidence rates have helped gain insights into the characteristics of the disease, benchmark disease impact, shape public health measures and inform potential travel restrictions and border control measures. However, these comparisons may be biased by differences in COVID-19 surveillance systems and approaches to reporting in each country. To better understand these differences and their impact on incidence comparisons, we collected data on surveillance systems from six European countries: Belgium, England, France, Italy, Romania and Sweden. Data collected included: target testing populations, access to testing, case definitions, data entry and management and statistical approaches to incidence calculation. Average testing, incidence and contextual data were also collected. Data represented the surveillance systems as they were in mid-May 2021. Overall, important differences between surveillance systems were detected. Results showed wide variations in testing rates, access to free testing and the types of tests recorded in national databases, which may substantially limit incidence comparability. By systematically including testing information when comparing incidence rates, these comparisons may be greatly improved. New indicators incorporating testing or existing indicators such as death or hospitalisation will be important to improving international comparisons.

Geographical variation in kidney function testing and associations with health care costs among patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

Clinical practice guidelines recommend at least annual testing of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study assessed the adequacy of eGFR and uACR testing in this patient population across the United States. Observational real-world study. Adults with CKD and T2D were identified from the Optum Clinformatics database (2015-2019). The eGFR and uACR tests were assessed nationally and by state. The proportions of tested patients and patients receiving adequate monitoring per clinical practice guidelines were analyzed during the 1-year period after T2D and CKD diagnosis, along with all-cause health care costs. Among 101,057 adults with CKD and T2D, 94.1% had at least 1 eGFR test and 38.7% had at least 1 uACR test over 1 year. Only 20.3% of patients had adequate uACR monitoring; this was much lower than observed for adequate eGFR monitoring (86.6%). The eGFR testing rates were high across states (range, 79.5% [Colorado] to 97.3% [Alabama]); conversely, uACR testing rates were uniformly lower and showed wider variation (range, 14.0% [Maine] to 58.9% [Hawaii]). Mean annual all-cause health care costs were $28,636 and increased with CKD GFR stage. Lower uACR testing rates were associated with higher health care costs at the state level (Pearson r = -0.55; P < .01). In the United States, uACR testing is underutilized, with large geographical variations in testing rates noted between states. Lower uACR testing rates were associated with higher health care costs. The lack of sufficient uACR testing raises concerns about CKD management in patients with T2D.

Estimating the impact of virus testing strategies on the COVID-19 case fatality rate using fixed-effects models

The SARS-CoV2 has now spread worldwide causing over four million deaths. Testing strategies are highly variable between countries and their impact on mortality is a major issue. Retrospective multicenter study with a prospective database on all inpatients throughout mainland France. Using fixed effects models, we exploit policy discontinuities at region borders in France to estimate the effect of testing on the case fatality rate. In France, testing policies are determined at a regional level, generating exogenous variation in testing rates between departments on each side of a region border. We compared all contiguous department pairs located on the opposite sides of a region border. The increase of one percentage point in the test rate is associated with a decrease of 0.0015 percentage point in the death rate, that is, for each additional 2000 tests, we could observe three fewer deaths. Our study suggests that COVID-19 population testing could have a significant impact on the mortality rate which should be considered in decision-making. As concern grows over the current second wave of COVID-19, our findings support the implementation of large-scale screening strategies in such epidemic contexts.

Abstract 2618: Staged analysis of standard of care tumor molecular testing among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in the community health system setting

Abstract Background: National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines have recommended metastatic colorectal cancer patients (mCRC pts) undergo BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, and microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency (MSI/MMR) testing since 2015. Previous studies have reported molecular testing rates from academic and community cancer centers, but there is a lack of information on testing rates in community health systems (HS) which account for approximately half of US cancer care. Methods: Tumor molecular testing rates were assessed in a first stage analysis for pts with mCRC in HS, in order to inform a second stage analysis focused on treatment decisions and pt outcomes. For the first stage analysis, we randomly selected 200 pts (50 pts from each of 4 HS sites) diagnosed with mCRC between 1/1/2015 and 9/1/2020. The 200 pts were identified through technology-enabled curation, followed by retrospective review performed by certified tumor registrars. An anticipated cohort of 1000 evaluable pts is planned for the second stage analysis. Results: 53% of pts were tested for all four biomarkers at some point during their care (Table). Pts more likely to have been tested include those: from HS Site 1 (P = 4.2x10-5); age &amp;lt;65 years old at mCRC diagnosis (P = 0.014); and with commercial insurance (P = 0.015). Among pts tested, the median times from metastatic diagnosis to BRAF, KRAS, and NRAS testing results were 35, 33, and 34 days, respectively. Conclusion: This first stage analysis of molecular testing in mCRC pts revealed variation in testing rates by site, biomarker, and patient characteristics, which may in part be explained by the implementation of a precision medicine testing program at HS Site 1. A second stage analysis assessing the impact of biomarker testing on treatment decisions and pt outcomes will be guided by this initial characterization of testing rates and possible confounders. Biomarker testing rates among metastatic colorectal patients across four health system sitesSite 1 (n=50)Site 2 (n=50)Site 3 (n=50)Site 4 (n=50)BRAF tested43 (86%)25 (50%)24 (48%)26 (52%)Count (%)KRAS tested44 (88%)35 (70%)32 (64%)35 (70%)Count (%)NRAS tested42 (84%)23 (46%)26 (52%)30 (60%)Count (%)MSI/MMR tested49 (98%)37 (74%)44 (88%)44 (88%)Count (%)All biomarkers tested40 (80%)19 (38%)20 (40%)26 (52%)Count (%) Citation Format: Chenan Zhang, Mahder Teka, Francesca F. Coutinho, Joseph R. Burkhart, Louise E. Widmer, Ronda G. Broome, Mary T. Tran, Michael A. Thompson, Antony M. Ruggeri, Jennifer J. Godden, James L. Weese, Douglas J. Reding, Anna B. Berry, Yanina Natanzon, Thomas D. Brown. Staged analysis of standard of care tumor molecular testing among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in the community health system setting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2618.

Community-Level Factors Associated with COVID-19 Cases and Testing Equity in King County, Washington.

Individual-level Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) case data suggest that certain populations may be more impacted by the pandemic. However, few studies have considered the communities from which positive cases are prevalent, and the variations in testing rates between communities. In this study, we assessed community factors that were associated with COVID-19 testing and test positivity at the census tract level for the Seattle, King County, Washington region at the summer peak of infection in July 2020. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to estimate confirmed case counts, adjusted for testing numbers, which were associated with socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as poverty, educational attainment, transportation cost, as well as with communities with high proportions of people of color. Multivariate models were also used to examine factors associated with testing rates, and found disparities in testing for communities of color and communities with transportation cost barriers. These results demonstrate the ability to identify tract-level indicators of COVID-19 risk and specific communities that are most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, as well as highlight the ongoing need to ensure access to disease control resources, including information and education, testing, and future vaccination programs in low-SES and highly diverse communities.

Abstract 14288: Substantial Hospital-level Variation in Troponin Testing After Non-cardiac Surgery

Introduction: There is an increasing emphasis in detecting postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI) using routine troponin testing after non-cardiac surgery. However, clinical practice guidelines vary considerably in their recommendations. We conducted a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada to assess the degree of hospital-level variation associated with troponin testing after three commonly performed surgeries. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults (40-105 y) undergoing major orthopedic, colorectal, or vascular surgery in Ontario, Canada from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2017. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to model the association of patient, surgery, and hospital factors with postoperative troponin testing, while accounting for clustering at the hospital level. Results: We identified 176,454 eligible patients. Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines recommended troponin testing for 73.5%, 90.8% and 95.6% of orthopedic, colorectal, and vascular surgery patients respectively, but only 6.7%, 16.6%, and 50.2% were actually tested. Inter hospital variation in testing rates was considerable for the three surgeries (Figure; 0-33%, 0-38% and 18-84%). Even after risk-adjustment, the median odds ratio for testing across hospitals was still 1.74, 1.63, and 2.65 for orthopedic, colorectal, and vascular surgery, respectively. This corresponded to intraclass correlation coefficients of 9.3%, 7.4%, and 24.2% respectively. Conclusion: Despite strong recommendations by Canadian guidelines for troponin testing after non-cardiac surgery, testing rates were low overall and varied significantly across hospitals.

Learning from Each Other: A Multisite Collaborative to Reduce Electrolyte Testing.

A national quality improvement collaborative evaluated standardized interventions for reducing inpatient serum electrolyte testing at 5 large tertiary and quaternary children's hospitals. The outcome measure was the rate of electrolyte laboratory tests per 10 patient-days. The interventions were adapted from a previous single-site improvement project and included cost card reminders, automated laboratory plans via electronic medical record, structured rounds discussions, and continued education. The collaborative utilized weekly conference calls to discuss Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles, and barriers to implementation efforts. The study included 17,149 patient-days across 5 hospitals. The baseline preintervention electrolyte laboratory testing rate mean was 4.82 laboratory tests per 10 patient-days. Postimplementation, special cause variation in testing rates shifted the mean to 4.19 laboratory tests per 10 patient-days, a 13% reduction. There was a wide variation in preintervention electrolyte testing rates and the effectiveness of interventions between the hospitals participating in the collaborative. This multisite improvement collaborative was able to rapidly disseminate and implement value improvement interventions leading to a reduction in electrolyte testing; however, we did not meet our goal of 20% testing reduction across all sites. Quality improvement collaboratives must consider variation in context when adapting previously successful single-center interventions to a wide variety of sites.

Abstract P6-08-10: Physician practice settings and BRCA1/2 testing rates in HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC): Results from the European component of a multi-country real-world study

Abstract Background: Mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 or 2 (BRCA1/2) are known risk factors for developing cancer, especially for breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC). Recently, BC guidelines have expanded the eligibility criteria for BRCA1/2 testing. This study assessed somatic and/or germline BRCA1/2 testing rates in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) adult women with advanced breast cancer (ABC) in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom (EU5). Methods: Patient (pt.) demographics/clinical characteristics in adult women with HER2- ABC were abstracted from medical charts by oncologists in EU5 countries via Adelphi Advanced Breast Cancer Disease Specific Program. Information of oncologist practice setting (academic or community) was also collected. Data collected from 2 different years (2015 and 2017) were merged across common variables (e.g. age, hormone receptor status, BRCA1/2 testing rates, BRCA status). Differences in pt. demographics/characteristics among BRCA1/2 tested pts. by physician practice was analyzed via t-test and Fisher Exact tests. Analyses of BRCA1/2 testing rates were stratified by practice setting and analyzed by Fisher Exact tests. Results: Overall, 4,876 records were provided by 742 oncologists. The mean age was 63.6 yrs; 75% hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2-, 23% triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), 2% unknown HR status. Across all the EU5 countries, the mean BRCA1/2 testing rate was 21%. Testing rates varied based on physician practice setting (Table 1) across EU5 countries. Pts. who were BRCA1/2 tested and currently consulting with oncologists in academic medical centers were significantly younger and more likely to be currently employed than those consulting in non-academic centers [mean age 56.4 vs 60.0 (p&amp;lt;0.001); proportion employed 28% vs 17% (p&amp;lt;0.001)]. Pts. with a known family history of BC or OC were more likely to be BRCA1/2 tested when currently consulting with oncologists based in academic medical centers than non-academic medical centers [45% vs 37% (p=0.071)]. Conclusions: In this real-world study of adult women with HER2- ABC, low BRCA1/2 testing rates were observed in general, with variation in testing rates across different EU5 countries. Significant differences in BRCA1/2 testing rates were observed among academic vs non-academic types of physician practices in Italy, France and the UK. With the broadening of BRCA1/2 testing eligibility criteria in BC guidelines, opportunities exist to increase BRCA1/2 testing in both EU5 academic and non-academic physician settings, particularly in the UK. Funding: Pfizer Inc. Table. BRCA1/2 testing rates by physician practice settingCountryAcademicNon-academicP ValueGermany Pts tested No. (%)N=452 146 (32)N=538 149 (28)0.125Italy Pts tested No. (%)N=411 81 (20)N=528 145 (27)0.007France Pts tested No. (%)N=601 141 (23)N=403 55 (14)&amp;lt;0.001Spain Pts tested No. (%)N=835 161 (19)N=146 40 (22)0.477UK Pts tested No. (%)N=819 122 (15)N=95 6 (6)0.019 Citation Format: Michael P. Lux, Katie Lewis, Alex Rider, Alexander Niyazov. Physician practice settings and BRCA1/2 testing rates in HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC): Results from the European component of a multi-country real-world study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-10.

Estimating COVID-19 Prevalence in the United States: A Sample Selection Model Approach

Background: Public health efforts to determine population infection rates from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been hampered by limitations in testing capabilities and the large shares of mild and asymptomatic cases. We developed a methodology that corrects observed positive test rates for non-random sampling to estimate population infection rates across U.S. states from March 31 to April 7. Methods: We adapted a sample selection model that corrects for non-random testing to estimate population infection rates. The methodology compares how the observed positive case rate vary with changes in the size of the tested population, and applies this gradient to infer total population infection rates. Model identification requires that variation in testing rates be uncorrelated with changes in underlying disease prevalence. To this end, we relied on data on day-to-day changes in completed tests across U.S. states for the period March 31 to April 7, which were primarily influenced by immediate supply-side constraints. We used this methodology to construct predicted infection rates across each state over the sample period. We also assessed the sensitivity of the results to controls for state-specific daily trends in infection rates. Results: The median population infection rate over the period March 31 to April 7 was 0.9% (IQR 0.64 1.77). The three states with the highest prevalence over the sample period were New York (8.5%), New Jersey (7.6%), and Louisiana (6.7%). Estimates from models that control for state-specific daily trends in infection rates were virtually identical to the baseline findings. The estimates imply a nationwide average of 12 population infections per diagnosed case. We found a negative bivariate relationship (corr. = -0.51) between total per capita state testing and the ratio of population infections per diagnosed case. Interpretation: The effectiveness of the public health response to the coronavirus pandemic will depend on timely information on infection rates across different regions. With increasingly available highly frequency data on COVID-19 testing, our methodology could be used to estimate population infection rates for a range of countries and subnational districts. In the United States, we found widespread undiagnosed COVID-19 infection. Expansion of rapid diagnostic and serological testing will be critical in preventing recurrent unobserved community transmission and identifying the large numbers individuals who may have some level of viral immunity. Funding Statement: This study was supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Grant: SSHRC 430-2017-00307). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Disparities in HER2 testing in breast cancer.

e13084 Background: Although targeted therapies directed at human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) impact breast cancer outcomes, studies have found geographic variation in testing rates. We report population-based patterns of HER2 testing by patient, tumor and geographic characteristics. Methods: Retrospective analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data included women diagnosed 2010-2015 with de novo breast cancer. Women were categorized by age, race, stage, year of diagnosis, and receipt of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 testing. SEER classified lack of testing with “test ordered, results not in chart” and “test not done.” We report on cases with HER2 “test not done”. Records missing any variables were excluded. County-level measures of socioeconomic status were included for each woman. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions identified factors associated with testing. Results: Of 281,214 new breast cancer diagnoses, 1.75% had HER2 “test not done”. ER and PR testing were “not done” in 0.57% and 0.74% of cases, respectively. HER2-testing rates improved over time: 2.54% not tested in 2010 and 1.30% in 2015 (p &lt; 0.01). The following characteristics were associated with higher rates of “test not done”: age &gt;70 vs &lt; 50 (OR = 1.33, p &lt; 0.01), blacks vs whites (OR = 1.23, p &lt; 0.01), Stage IV vs I (OR = 2.27, p &lt; 0.01). Regional variation was also seen, with registries reporting HER2 “test not done” ranging from 0.18%-2.89%. On multivariate analysis (Table), HER2 testing was less likely for women age ≥ 70, blacks, Stage IV disease, and those living in counties with high rates of less than high school education. Conclusions: Rates of HER2 testing have increased. However, disparities exist and are associated with age, race, stage, geography, and education. Understanding the cause of these disparities could ultimately enhance access to appropriate therapy and improve disease outcomes. Odds of not having HER2 testing (select results from multivariate analysis). [Table: see text]

Evolving patterns in the diagnosis and management of allergy-mediated disorders.

This analysis explores the increasing heterogeneity of trends in allergy management under the premise that the practice of allergy has undergone significant changes in national economics, healthcare delivery, and treatment options from 2007 to 2016. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data were obtained for: (1) temporal trends in allergy immunotherapy injection (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 95115, 95117) and testing (CPT 95004, 95024) from 2007 to 2016; (2) geographic trends; and (3) practitioners administering immunotherapy. Although there are no sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) CPT codes, billing for unlisted allergy/immunologic services (CPT 95199) were obtained. Since 2007, there were 99.5 million allergy tests and 33.5 million immunotherapy injections billed to Medicare beneficiaries. Increases in testing have outpaced rising immunotherapy administration (49.7% vs 19.6% increase). Significant regional variation in testing rates was noted, with the greatest ratio of testing to immunotherapy in the South (0.35) and smallest ratio in the Northeast (0.18). The maximum unlisted allergy services billed was 594 (of which includes SLIT), compared to annual subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) totals in the millions. The majority of immunotherapy in 2016 was administered by allergists/immunologists (51.6%) followed by otolaryngologists (31.2%), trends that have remained consistent since 2012. Physicians have been more aggressive in the workup of allergy-mediated disorders in recent years. Although differences in allergen load exist, there is tremendous geographic variation in the ratio of testing to immunotherapy. While the role otolaryngologists play in immunotherapy remains stable, allergists manage the majority of patients, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and outreach. SLIT does not appear to play a significant role in this population.

Abstract 32: Have Choosing Wisely Recommendations Changed Diagnostic Testing Patterns for Patients With Syncope?

Background: Syncope is a common reason for emergency department visits. Guidelines suggest minimal initial workup, including history, physical exam, and ECG testing. Additional cardiac testing is recommended in only high risk patients and neuroimaging is rarely indicated. Because of the low yield of neuroimaging, in 2012, the Choosing Wisely campaign recommended against its use for syncope. Our objective was to examine trends in cardiac testing and neuroimaging of patients presenting to the ED with syncope, before and after the Choosing Wisely recommendations and to describe hospital variation in testing rates. Methods: We linked State Inpatient and Emergency Department Databases to conduct a retrospective study of all ED visits in 2009 and 2013 for 8 states reporting procedure utilization. We calculated rates of ECG, advanced cardiac testing (echocardiogram, stress testing, diagnostic catheterization) and neuroimaging (head CT, brain MRI, carotid ultrasound) for all adults with a discharge diagnosis of syncope. Differences between years were estimated using mixed effect regression modeling adjusted for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and hospital random effects. Results: We identified 287,261 ED visits for syncope in 2009 and 315,221 ED visits in 2013 from 676 hospitals. Between 2009 and 2013, adjusted rates of ECG testing increased from 81.1% of discharges to 84.3% (p&lt;.0001). Rates of advanced cardiac testing increased from 10.3% to 12.4% (p&lt;.0001), driven primarily by a substantial increase in the use of echocardiograms (8.3% vs 11.3%, p&lt;.0001). Rates of neuroimaging increased from 36.0% to 42.0% (p&lt;.0001) with increased utilization of all tests. Rates of ECG, advanced cardiac testing and neuroimaging varied significantly between hospitals in both years (Figure). The median hospital-level change in testing between years was 1.6% (IQR -3.5 to 11.2) for ECG, 1.2% (IQR -1.8 to 5.9) for advanced cardiac imaging and 4.2% (IQR -5.3 to 18.4) for neuroimaging. Conclusions: Among patients presenting to the ED with syncope, rates of both high- and low-value diagnostic testing increased between 2009 and 2013, with substantial variation between hospitals. Thus, the 2012 Choosing Wisely recommendations do not appear to have had a significant effect on testing for patients presenting with syncope.

Oncologist and organizational factors associated with variation in breast cancer multigene testing.

Multigene testing for breast cancer recurrence risk became available in 2007, yet many eligible patients remain untested. This study evaluated variation in testing rates, and oncologist and organizational factors associated with variation, in a setting without financial influences on testing. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic data and oncologist surveys within Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large integrated health care system. Analyses included all 2974 test eligible patients from 2013 to 2015, 113 oncologists, and 15 practice groups. Receipt of multigene testing was evaluated with generalized linear mixed models. Overall, 39% of eligible patients had multigene testing, but rates varied widely among practice groups, ranging from 24 to 48% after case mix adjustment. This 24% difference among practices was greater than the variation associated with most patient characteristics, including comorbidities and race/ethnicity, and similar to that associated with tumor size. Practice group and oncologist factors were statistically significant contributors to the variation in testing after adjusting for patient factors. Patients were more likely to be tested if they had a female oncologist (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21-2.12) or were in a practice whose chief had a high testing rate (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.29 per 10% increase in the percent tested). Oncologist and leadership practices play a key role in the variation in genomic test use for cancer recurrence risk even in a healthcare system without financial barriers to testing and could be a leverage point for implementing desired practice changes for new genomic advances.

P09.13 Impact and cost-effectiveness of point-of-care testing for chlamydia: accounting for geographic variation in infection burden and testing rates, health service configuration, and implementation strategy

Introduction Point-of-care tests (PoCTs) for Chlamydia trachomatis potentially improve control by reducing transmission through reduced treatment delay, reduced loss to follow up, and greater convenience for patients leading to increased testing. However, with ~3–5 fold variation in rates of Chlamydia testing and diagnosis across geographic settings in England, in assessing cost-effectiveness the epidemiological context needs to be considered. Methods We developed a transmission-dynamic model to capture geographic variation in rates of testing and diagnosis using current technology to allow assessment of the impact of implementing PoCTs in different clinical services in different localities. The model incorporates heterogeneity in sexual partner change rates and is stratified by age and sex. It uses behavioural and prevalence data from the Natsal national survey, and Public Health England surveillance data on testing and diagnosis rates. Uncertainty in natural history and behavioural parameters is captured by Monte Carlo methods. Health service reconfiguration using PoCT is considered, including rates of PoCT introduction and reduction in presumptive treatment. Results The model captures observed geographic variation in rates of testing and diagnosis in females and males, which affects the impact and cost-effectiveness of PoCT introduction. In general, whilst PoCTs may reduce incidence by increasing diagnosis and treatment, if sensitivity is lower than conventional testing then there is potentially increased transmission from false-negative patients. The net effect depends upon characteristics of the particular PoCT. Conclusion PoCT sensitivity and specificity are key determinants of whether replacing conventional testing is likely to reduce or increase the incidence of infection. Importantly, if the convenience of PoCT increases testing rates then diagnoses might initially increase even though incidence falls; interpretation of surveillance data needs to account for this. This work is the foundation of a user-friendly web-based tool assessing the (cost-) effectiveness of introducing PoCTs in different local settings. Disclosure of interest statement CED, ESS, NG, EHE, RHJ, YC, CML, and PJW thank Innovate UK for funding. PJW thanks the UK Medical Research Council for Centre funding (grant MR/K010174/1), and also thanks the UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Modelling Methodology at Imperial College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE) for funding (grant HPRU-2012–10080). The funding sources had no involvement in the study design or conduct; the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; the preparation, review or approval of the manuscript; or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, the Department of Health, or Public Health England. CED was employed for part of the project by the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. The other authors declare no competing interests.

STI diagnosis and HIV testing among OEF/OIF/OND veterans.

Patients with sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis should be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), regardless of previous HIV test results. Estimate HIV testing rates among recent service Veterans with an STI diagnosis and variation in testing rates by patient characteristics. The sample comprised 243,843 Veterans who initiated Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services within 1 year after military separation. Participants were followed for 2 years to determine STI diagnoses and HIV testing rates. We used relative risks regression to examine variation in testing rates. We used VHA administrative data to identify STI diagnoses and HIV testing and results. Veterans with an STI diagnosis (n = 1815) had higher HIV testing rates than those without (34.9% vs. 7.3%, P<0.0001), but were not more likely to have a positive test result (1.1% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.53). Among Veterans with an STI diagnosis, testing increased from 25% to 45% over the observation period; older age was associated with a lower rate of testing, whereas race and ethnicity, multiple deployments, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorders were associated with a higher rate. Since VHA implemented routine HIV testing, overall rates of testing have increased. However, among Veterans at significant risk for HIV because of an STI diagnosis, only 45% had an HIV test in the most recent year of observation. Other patient characteristics such as alcohol and drug abuse were associated with being tested for HIV. Providers should be reminded that an STI is a sufficient reason to test for HIV.

Local population characteristics and hemoglobin A1c testing rates among diabetic medicare beneficiaries.

BackgroundProposed payment reforms in the US healthcare system would hold providers accountable for the care delivered to an assigned patient population. Annual hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests are recommended for all diabetics, but some patient populations may face barriers to high quality healthcare that are beyond providers' control. The magnitude of fine-grained variations in care for diabetic Medicare beneficiaries, and their associations with local population characteristics, are unknown.MethodsHbA1c tests were recorded for 480,745 diabetic Medicare beneficiaries. Spatial analysis was used to create ZIP code-level estimated testing rates. Associations of testing rates with local population characteristics that are outside the control of providers – population density, the percent African American, with less than a high school education, or living in poverty – were assessed.ResultsIn 2009, 83.3% of diabetic Medicare beneficiaries received HbA1c tests. Estimated ZIP code-level rates ranged from 71.0% in the lowest decile to 93.1% in the highest. With each 10% increase in the percent of the population that was African American, associated HbA1c testing rates were 0.24% lower (95% CI −0.32–−0.17); for identical increases in the percent with less than a high school education or the percent living in poverty, testing rates were 0.70% lower (−0.95–−0.46) and 1.6% lower (−1.8–−1.4), respectively. Testing rates were lowest in the least and most densely populated ZIP codes. Population characteristics explained 5% of testing rate variations.ConclusionsHbA1c testing rates are associated with population characteristics, but these characteristics fail to explain the vast majority of variations. Consequently, even complete risk-adjustment may have little impact on some process of care quality measures; much of the ZIP code-related variations in testing rates likely result from provider-based differences and idiosyncratic local factors not related to poverty, education, or race.

P1 Does simple correspondence and feedback improve HIV testing rates in primary care in a low prevalence area?

BackgroundDelayed diagnosis of HIV is a problem in both high and low prevalence areas. In Cornwall, the relatively low prevalence means that most general practitioners (GPs) have little or no...