Household and Medical Provider Reports on Medical Conditions: National Medical Expenditure Survey,1987 1,2

Abstract

The National Medical Expenditure Survey (NMES) collected data on medical conditions for persons that sought medical care in 1987. Data on medical conditions were obtained from two sources: the household respondent and the medical provider. This paper uses 1987 NMES data to quantify the level of congruence between household and medical provider reports, and to identify correlates that may explain differences between the two reporting sources. It is important to determine the extent to which household and provider reports on condition data agree and the reasons why disagreements may arise. Moreover, the study uses multivariate techniques to identify correlates that enhance the probability of agreement between household and medical provider reports.