Data Requests

Request MA APCD & Case Mix Data

Overview

This webpage provides step-by-step instructions for entities that would like to apply for CHIA’s two major data sources—Case Mix Databases and the MA All-Payer Claims Database (MA APCD). The application process applies to both government agencies and non-government entities and may vary depending on the applicant type, the purpose of the request, and the type of data requested.

Prerequisites

Before starting an online application:

Review the documents below:

  • These documents describe the data, applicable limitations, data use requirements, and other information needed to evaluate whether the data is appropriate for your intended use.
MA APCD Case Mix
MA APCD Documentation Case Mix Documentation
MA APCD Submission Guides Case Mix Submission Guides

 

Determine the type of data needed for your request:

  • Identifiable data or de-identified data (HIPAA Safe Harbor-compliant or statistically de-identified).
Identifiable
Data		 De-Identified
Data
Non-government requests for research using identifiable data must include:

 

  • Research methodology, objectives, and rationale
  • Justification for requesting specific identifiable data elements
  • Explanation of how the results will be published or contribute to generalizable knowledge
  • Authorization to receive identifiable data, either through individual patient authorization or a waiver of authorization approved by an Institutional Review Board or Privacy Board.

 

Note: Payers or providers requesting identifiable data for purposes of treatment, payment, or health care operations are not required to provide research methodology, justification for identifiable data, publication details, or authorization information.

 De-identified data may be requested for a wide range of purposes, including:

 

  • lowering total medical expenses
  • coordinating care
  • benchmarking
  • quality analysis
  • administrative or planning purposes
  • informing consumer health care decisions
  • improvement of health care or public health outcomes for Commonwealth residents.

 

Requests for de-identified data do not need to provide research methodology, justification, publication details, or authorization information.
Data Application Resources
Apply for Data Online via HighQ Data Application Questions (PDF) Data Use Agreement (PDF) MA APCD Fee Schedule (PDF) Case Mix Fee Schedule (PDF) CHIA Regulation 957 CMR 5.00 – Health Care Claims, Case Mix and Charge Data Release Procedures Medicare Request Form (Excel) Medicare Addendum to Data Use Agreement (PDF) Medicaid Acknowledgement of Conditions (PDF)

Data Application Submission Instructions

1

Prepare To Submit Application

Review the data application questions and Data Use Agreement before submitting an application. CHIA staff can provide assistance by tailoring your request, discussing data privacy and security requirements, and calculating fees or supporting fee waiver requests.

2

Submit Online Application

Submit your application through CHIA’s secure, cloud-based online platform (HighQ by Thomson Reuters).

3

Review and Consultation

A CHIA Subject Matter Expert will review the application materials and, if needed, work with applicants to refine data requests. Review time depends on the complexity of the request and the sensitivity of the data requested.

4

Compliance Review and Approval

CHIA will confirm that the requested release is authorized under Massachusetts law.

Note: Applicants seeking Medicaid data must establish that the proposed use is “directly connected” to the administration of the Medicaid program.

Approved MA APCD ApplicationsApproved Case Mix Applications

 

5

Execute Data Use Agreement

After approval, a Data Use Agreement (or equivalent agreement for government agencies) must be executed prior to data release.

Note: Applicants seeking Medicare data must also sign the Medicare Addendum.

6

Data Release

Once the Data Use Agreement (or equivalent agreement for government agencies) is executed, CHIA processes the data extract, which is then transmitted to the recipient via secure delivery.

Check Data Request Status

Get Support

For questions about MA APCD and CaseMix data and approved applications, email

apcd@chiamass.gov or casemix@chiamass.gov

 

For questions specifically about the online HighQ data application process, emailHighQ.Support@chiamass.gov

Recommended Links

Data User Workgroup

Meet with CHIA’s team of data experts to discuss analytical techniques, ask questions, and find out about the latest APCD and Case Mix releases and enhancements.

Read more

MA APCD

Learn about the Massachusetts All Payer Claims Database, including what data is collected, how to request access, and how to submit claims data to CHIA.

Read more

Case Mix

Access Massachusetts hospital case mix data, including inpatient discharge, emergency department, and outpatient observation datasets, documentation, and data specification manuals.

Read more