There is significant interest among health plans, employers, and consumers to establish a central data source in California to track health care utilization and cost information. Thirteen other states have already taken the plunge to create all-payer claims databases (APCDs), which are used for analysis, public reporting of data, research related to health reform implementation, and development of payment model alternatives. Meanwhile, the National Governors Association is pushing for the creation of APCDs in all 50 states.

In this briefing, presenters discussed research examining the claims database models in those 13 states, as well as the issues likely to be faced in developing a model for California. The presenters reviewed the current uses of such a data utility in other states and explored options for California, including alternative financing mechanisms.

The speakers were:

• Patrick Miller, research associate professor, New Hampshire Institute for Health Policy and Practice (University of New Hampshire) and chair, APCD Council
• Jonah Frohlich, managing director, Manatt Health Solutions

Highlights of the presentation were:

• Patrick Miller provided a definition of APCDs, an overview of national activities around all-payer claims databases, sources of data, state activities, and examples of how the databases are being used. He concluded with lessons that have been learned so far and challenges facing APCDs.
• Jonah Frohlich described his work on a project for the California HealthCare Foundation to assess the feasibility, opportunities, and challenges of designing an APCD in California. His findings are expected to be completed and released by May 2011.

The presentation slides are available under Document Downloads. A video of the event is available on the California Channel site listed under External Links.