1. Using Real World Data to Generate Advanced Insights: Example of Patients with Low Back Pain
Xinliang “Albert” Liu, PhD
Department of Health
Management and Informatics
University of Central Florida

2. Low back pain is common and costly
Nearly 30% of adults in the US reported back pain that lasted a whole day or more
The estimated total costs associated with back pain exceed $100 billion per year in the US alone
It is the leading cause of disability in the US and across the globe

3. Timing of physical therapy initiation remains controversial
Clinical practice guidelines recommend delaying physical therapy for several weeks.  
Some studies suggest that most patients experience subsequent recurrences without timely intervention.

4. Truven Health MarketScan® Research Databases
Population in New York State
(19.6 million in 2012)
MarketScan Databases
(~11% of the general population)
98,640 Patients with low back pain between 2008 and 2014
46,914 Patients with acute low back pain and complete information
6,668 Patients with acute low back pain receiving physical therapy

5. Patients by timing of physical therapy initiation

6. Health service use one year after index visit

7. Healthcare costs one year after index visit

8. If we had a magic wand…

9. Acknowledgements
Coauthors: William J. Hanney, PT, PhD; Michael Masaracchio, PT, PhD; Morey J. Kolber, PT, PhD; Mei Zhao, PhD; Aaron C. Spaulding, PhD; Meghan H. Gabriel , PhD.
Funding agency: New York Physical Therapy Association

10. Thank you for your attention!
Xinliang “Albert” Liu, PhD
Big Data
Data Scientists
Subject Matter Experts
Insights