KEYWORDS:
Registries, Data quality, Audits

BACKGROUND:
ImmuLink, the Immunization Registry for four counties of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, consolidates over half a million records and 3.4 million immunization events. Providers submit immunization billing data electronically. Audits are conducted to verify data and file quality at initial site enrollment, when providers' billing systems change, and following file submission interruptions. Periodic queries are conducted to ensure continued quality data.

OBJECTIVE(S):
·Collaborate with providers to ensure an accurate, complete immunization registry.
·Help participating providers improve clinic practice, capture lost revenue from inappropriate vaccine administration and billing, and stay abreast of changes in the immunization schedule.

METHOD(S):
All clinics are audited at initial enrollment, when changes occur in their billing system, or when there is an interruption in file submissions, and must meet certain accuracy and completeness requirements to be included in the registry. Periodic queries are conducted to verify that datafiles are capturing all required demographic and immunization information, and that the clinic has acknowledged and acted upon changes in the immunization schedule.

RESULT(S):
Initial and periodic audits identified vaccine codes not included in providers' electronic export programs, inappropriate administration, charting, or billing of DT instead of Td and OPV instead of IPV, and lack of Prevnar billing. Audits also identified inconsistent and incomplete use of immunization grids.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Initial and periodic audits ensure the registry contains high quality and complete data. Participating providers appreciate information that helps them to improve clinical practices, capture lost revenue, and accurately and efficiently immunize their patients.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
·Describe how audits benefit participating providers and the registry by ensuring accurate and complete data and appropriate vaccine administration.
·Reinforce the importance of public and private collaboration to ensure a comprehensive, effective, and efficient registry.