Development and Validation of an Algorithm to Identify Prenatal Care in Administrative Data: Predictive Validity for Adverse Birth Outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To develop and validate a hierarchical algorithm for assigning prenatal care (PNC) encounters using claims data while ensuring continuity of care.

Study setting and design

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among South Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries. Using a six-step hierarchical algorithm-incorporating specialty designations, diagnostic/procedure codes, and adjustments for inpatient stays and supplemental visits-we assigned PNC encounters and identified predominant PNC providers. To assess predictive validity, we examined associations between predominant provider status and adverse birth outcomes (obtained from linked birth certificates and claims data) using logit-binomial generalized estimating equations with robust standard errors, and we compared model

SUBMITTER: Deng S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12857457 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature