Design, Implementation, and Evolution of the Medicaid Outcomes Distributed Research Network (MODRN). Issue 9 (15th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zivin, Kara; Allen, Lindsay; Barnes, Andrew J.; Junker, Stefanie; Kim, Joo Yeon; Tang, Lu; Kennedy, Susan; Ahrens, Katherine A.; Burns, Marguerite; Clark, Sarah; Cole, Evan; Crane, Dushka; Idala, David; Lanier, Paul; Mohamoud, Shamis; Jarlenski, Marian; McDuffie, Mary Joan; Talbert, Jeffery; Gordon, Adam J.; Donohue, Julie M.
• Is Part Of: Medical care. Volume 60:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 680
• Page End: 690
• Publication Date: 2022-09-15
• Subjects: Medicaid -- health services research -- OUD -- distributed research network -- methods; Economics, Medical -- Periodicals; Insurance, Health -- Periodicals; Santé, Services de -- Administration -- Périodiques; Soins médicaux -- Périodiques; Medical economics -- Periodicals; Health insurance -- Periodicals; Medical economics -- United States -- Periodicals; Health insurance -- United States -- Periodicals; Comprehensive Health Care -- Periodicals; Personal Health Services -- Periodicals; Gezondheidszorg; Économie de la santé -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Périodiques; Health insurance; Medical economics; United States; Periodicals; 362.10973
• DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000001751
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7079

Abstract

Abstract : Background: In the US, Medicaid covers over 80 million Americans. Comparing access, quality, and costs across Medicaid programs can provide policymakers with much-needed information. As each Medicaid agency collects its member data, multiple barriers prevent sharing Medicaid data between states. To address this gap, the Medicaid Outcomes Distributed Research Network (MODRN) developed a research network of states to conduct rapid multi-state analyses without sharing individual-level data across states. Objective: To describe goals, design, implementation, and evolution of MODRN to inform other research networks. Methods: MODRN implemented a distributed research network using a common data model, with each state analyzing its own data; developed standardized measure specifications and statistical software code to conduct analyses; and disseminated findings to state and federal Medicaid policymakers. Based on feedback on Medicaid agency priorities, MODRN first sought to inform Medicaid policy to improve opioid use disorder treatment, particularly medication treatment. Results: Since its 2017 inception, MODRN created 21 opioid use disorder quality measures in 13 states. MODRN modified its common data model over time to include additional elements. Initial barriers included harmonizing utilization data from Medicaid billing codes across states and adapting statistical methods to combine state-level results. The network demonstrated its utility and addressed barriers to conducting multi-state analyses of Medicaid administrative data. Conclusions: MODRN created a new, scalable, successful model for conducting policy research while complying with federal and state regulations to protect beneficiary health information. Platforms like MODRN may prove useful for emerging health challenges to facilitate evidence-based policymaking in Medicaid programs.