WA-APCD Data products

To serve a wide array of data needs from small rural provider practices and non-profits to researchers at large universities and state agencies, the WA-APCD offers five types of data products to requesters and users.

Public use files and dashboards

The WA-APCD program publishes aggregate health care cost and utilization data on the program website. These are available to the public and users at no cost and are updated annually.

Release upon request (RUR) data extracts

The RUR data extracts are available to the public when requested using a simplified data application. These include standard aggregate datasets that do not include direct or indirect patient identifiers. The following two standard de-identified RUR data extracts are available:

• The WA-APCD RUR Analytic Dataset includes medical, and pharmacy, claims combined into a single table. Providers have been de-identified and payer names, charge amounts, and paid dates have been removed, allowing the retention of paid amount fields.
• The WA-APCD RUR Public Use File groups records by diagnosis, age group, and member location (i.e., the first three digits of the ZIP code).

Standard datasets

The standard Limited-Use Cost and Provider dataset (C+P) dataset meets most of the analytic scenarios supporting a public benefit use case. This does not include direct patient identifiers and is available to authorized users pursuant to RCW 43.371. The standard dataset includes medical and pharmacy eligibility and claims data, with claim level detail. Providers and payers have been de-identified. Requests for specific data elements in the standard dataset are reviewed against the specifics of the use case and the minimum necessary data to meet the approved use case.

Custom datasets

For requesters whose analytic needs are not served by one of the standard datasets, the WA-APCD program offers customization of a standard dataset for additional fees. A customized dataset may include direct patient identifiers for approved requesters pursuant to RCW 43.371.050(4)(a).

Custom analytic reports

In addition to requests for datasets from the WA-APCD, the WA-APCD program offers custom analytic reports to requesters. This involves the requester engaging with the WA-APCD program to develop analytic definitions, specify the type of analyses, and design the analytic report to clarify final product deliverable expectations. Following request submission, a flat fee of $2,000 is charged for the report design and development (this fee is credited to the requester and deducted from the total cost of the report). If the report requirements are sufficiently defined in the report request and a subsequent 1–2-hour design session, then no up-front report design and development fee is assessed. The report design and development fee is not assessed if the requester chooses not to proceed with the product purchase at the close of this initial 1–2-hour design session. The requester must pay the full design and development fee if the product development work exceeds the initial design session regardless of the final product purchase decision.