Introduction
To transform their health care delivery systems, and to do so effectively, states will need comprehensive information on health care use and costs. To support that need, a growing number of states are establishing All-Payer Claims Databases (APCDs). APCDs are large-scale databases created by state mandate, that typically include data derived from medical claims, pharmacy claims, and dental claims, supported by eligibility and provider files, from private and public payers. This fact sheet focuses on the potential contributions of APCDs to health reform. Given the breadth of health reform, and the multiple possible uses of APCD data, this fact sheet is not intended to be a comprehensive review, but should serve to highlight some key opportunities available to states that have APCDs.
