Overview
Below are the step-by-step instructions to apply for CHIA’s two major data resources—the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database (MA APCD) and the Massachusetts Acute Hospital Case Mix Databases. The application process will vary slightly depending on if you are government or non-government requestor, the purpose of your request, and whether you are requesting identifiable or de-identified data. For all questions regarding the application or application process, please contact HighQ.Support@chiamass.gov.
Information on MA APCD and CaseMix Databases, including data submission and documentation guides and release notes, can be found on CHIA’s main database web pages.
Application Resources
These documents and resources should be reviewed prior to applying for CHIA data:
Resources for All Applicants
Application Overview: Data application review questions (PDF)
Medicare Addendum to Data Use Agreement (PDF)
MA APCD Specific Resources
Case Mix Specific Resources
Prerequisites
Before submitting an application, all applicants must determine the type of data being requested: identifiable data or de-identified data (HIPAA-compliant or statistically de-identified). Applicants are highly encouraged to review the Data Use Agreement in advance along with the sample application and other resource documentation.
Identifiable Data
Identifiable data may be requested for research. Requests for identifiable data must include:
- Research methodology, objectives, and rationale
- Justification for requesting 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
De-identified data may be requested for a wide range of purposes, including lowering total medical expenses, coordinating care, benchmarking, quality analysis, research, administrative or planning purposes, informing consumer health care decisions, and improvement of health care or public health outcomes for Commonwealth residents.
Requests for de-identified data must include:
- Methodology, objectives, and rationale
- Explanation of how the results will be published, or used.
Data Application Submission Instructions
Prepare To Submit an 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. Any questions related to the application process can be directed to HighQ.Support@chiamass.gov.
Submit Online Application
Submit your application through CHIA’s secure, cloud-based online platform.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Case Mix
Access Massachusetts hospital case mix data, including inpatient discharge, emergency department, and outpatient observation datasets, documentation, and data specification manuals.