AbstractUsing Spatial Analytics to Target Health Disparities InterventionsTrack: Health and Human Services Author At Wellpoint, GIS tools play an important role in identifying health disparities and planning interventions. One of the first steps in identifying disparities is to determine the race / ethnicity of members. Wellpoint currently collects very little data in regard to the race / ethnicity of it members. As a result, race / ethnicity is estimated using a combination of name data and geocoded addresses that allow the addition of census block group data. Once these estimates have been calculated, the resulting data can be used to examine differences between racial / ethnic groups in various health indicators, such as colorectal screening and mammography rates. Along with the traditional graphs and charts, GIS tools have allowed further detailed examination of screening rates. Maps are used to identify hotspots of unscreened members, relationships between provider locations and patients, and to plan additional network needs such a telemedicine locations in rural areas. Zachary Vernon WellPoint Inc. 602 S Jefferson St VAG104-A200 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 United States Phone: 540-853-3316 E-mail: zack.vernon@wellpoint.com |