Non-Claims Data in the CO APCD

Non-Claims Data in the CO APCD The Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) contains medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy claims from the majority of insured individuals in the state. However, claims data highlights only a portion of how the health care system functions. There are numerous other non-claims components Read more

By CIVHC, ago

CIVHC Welcomes New General Counsel

Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) is excited to announce the appointment of Matthew Ullrich as Vice President of Legal and Compliance, General Counsel and member of CIVHC’s Executive Leadership Team. In his new role, Matt will lead CIVHC’s Legal and Compliance team, oversee legal affairs and support Read more

By CIVHC, ago

Public Data Releases

As discussed in a previous Query, CIVHC releases data from the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) in two ways: Non-public releases, for individuals or organizations to use to improve care for Coloradans Public data, for anyone to use to help make data-driven health decisions A different query addressed the process required Read more

By CIVHC, ago
Illustration or chart showing the breakdown of ambulance service costs in Colorado, comparing out-of-pocket expenses and total charges for individuals with commercial insurance versus Medicare beneficiaries. The graphic emphasizes disparities in emergency medical transport pricing across different payer types

New Data Shows High Ambulance Costs for Coloradans with Commercial Insurance Compared to Medicare

A first of its kind analysis on ambulance service costs in Colorado is now available, delivering valuable insights into cost trends, in-and out-of-network claims, and geographic variation. Leveraging the CO APCD, this report sheds light on costs affecting patients and health insurance payers and informs policy discussions aimed at enhancing emergency Read more

By CIVHC, ago
Graphic illustrating the types of Personal Health Information (PHI) collected under HIPAA, featuring categories such as medical records, demographic details, billing information, and health insurance data, with icons and labels representing each data type.

HIPAA & Personal Health Information

Protecting health information is the highest priority for Center for Improving Value in Health Care, administrator of the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD). Colorado statute CRS 25.5-1-204 requires the administrator of the CO APCD to “[p]rotect patient privacy in compliance with state and federal medical privacy laws while preserving the Read more

By CIVHC, ago
Line chart illustrating the number of Medicare Advantage payers included in the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) from 2013 to 2023. The chart shows a starting count of 10 payers in 2013, a dip to 9 in 2014, followed by an increase to 12 payers in 2020 and 2022, before declining to 10 payers again in 2023. This visual highlights changes in Medicare Advantage payer participation over the years.

Medicare Data in the CO APCD

As of June 2023, the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) contained over one billion claims spanning 2013 through 2022. These claims were submitted by commercial health insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, voluntarily submitted Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and mandated non-ERISA self-insured employer plans, Medicaid, and Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS). The CO Read more

By CIVHC, ago
Bar chart comparing the variation in prices for labor and delivery in Colorado for 2022, based on data from the Colorado All Payer Claims Database. The graphic highlights the costs for vaginal delivery without complications (DRG 807) and cesarean section without complications (DRG 788) at different facilities. Gunnison Valley Hospital has the lowest cost for vaginal delivery at $4,580, while Community Hospital has the highest at $15,000. For cesarean section, the lowest cost is $9,280 at Banner Fort Collins Medical Center, and the highest is $38,760 at Valley View Hospital. The statewide median costs are $5,503 for vaginal delivery and $11,164 for cesarean section.

Data Dive: Cost of Labor and Delivery in Colorado

Having a baby is expensive across the United States; the Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation Health System Tracker finds the national average cost of giving birth is $18,865, with an average of $2,854 paid out of pocket after insurance (including both vaginal and cesarean deliveries). This data dive looks at the cost Read more

By CIVHC, ago