Further analysis and regrouping can be helpful when data sets can be combined.

Thus record linkage allows a patient’s hospital record in several different hospitals, the primary care record and social data to be integrated.

The advent of an electronic patient record, carried by the patient like a Visa or American Express card (Smart Cards) enables data to be instantly available on previous history, medications, health problems wherever doctor - patient interaction occurs. The card can access a national or international database for updating as well as providing summary data. As these systems come into common use the medical and surgical interventions will provide a real time data base which can be linked to the unit providing care.

Patient: Peter X. 60 year old male Unique Identifier KVHF 42

4 day admission Hospital A with Myocardial Infarction 1997 Cost $10,000

5 day admission to Hospital B for CABG, 1999, Cost $2,000

Drug Profile Atenolol100mg, Captopril 25mg, Aspirin 25mg 500$/month