About the Center for Healthcare Data
We are a dedicated team of researchers seeking to better understand the variation of medical costs, patterns of care, and prevalence of health conditions across the state of Texas.
The Center for Healthcare Data houses several large datasets that cover health care utilization for more than 65% of the Texas population. Data are made available for approved research studies designed to enhance and expand the body of knowledge regarding the utilization of health care services, quality, costs, payment systems, and policy reform.
Within the center, researchers work to foster research and inform the public, academia, and other constituents about health care costs and utilization with the goal of contributing to the discussion on improving efficiency and controlling health-care costs in Texas.
Additionally, the Center for Health Care Research Data provides consultative and analytical services to the state of Texas and has certification as a CMS Qualified Entity. Read more about CMS Qualified Entities here.
Facilities and Datasets
Facilities
Systems are protected by a comprehensive IT Security Program that includes physical and virtual firewalls, network segmentation, data loss prevention monitoring, next-generation anti-virus/anti-malware products, active security scanning for operating system vulnerabilities, and centralized event logging and monitoring.
All data are stored on university designated servers, located within a secure university setting and are properly monitored and maintained by qualified university IT personnel. Support services include the University Information Technology Department which maintains the servers and the computers and the University faculty members who provide guidance on data use, interpretation, and application.
Access is limited only to authorized users.
Datasets
The Center for Health Care Data has obtained a variety of commercial, Medicaid and Medicare claims and electronic medical records data sets.
Accessing our data
Our policies for accessing the data include the following:
- Before drafting a proposal, inform the Center for Healthcare Data at CHCD@uth.tmc.edu about your interest to determine the feasibility of your project and possible project overlap.
- Letter of interest: Submit a one-page letter of interest with a statement of the research question and why the data is needed.
- Application: Once the letter of interest is approved, complete the application.
- Once the application is approved, submit the signed confidentiality agreement (DUA) and the project IRB approval for all involved in the project.
- Medicare and Medicaid requests will need to fill a form (please request) which will be submitted to the Health and Human Services Commission. Approval from HHSC is required to gain data access.
Contact us
The Center for Health Care Research Data is located at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health. To contact someone with the center, please email CHCD@uth.tmc.edu.
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SEE OUR IMPACT
Understanding how one dose of the HPV vaccine may prevent infection
A new study revealed that one dose of the HPV vaccine may prevent infection from the potential cancer-causing virus, according to research published in JAMA Network Open by UTHealth School of Public Health researchers.
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Preventing and caring for HIV in homeless youth
Alexis Sims, a doctoral student in health promotion and behavioral sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, has been awarded a $100,000 supplemental research grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate HIV prevention and care in homeless youth.
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Fighting back against the vaping epidemic among youth
As e-cigarette use by young people reaches epidemic proportions, researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) have received a $3.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct the first-ever assessment on the long-term results of a nationwide nicotine vaping prevention program for youth called CATCH My Breath.
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Conducting needs assessments and "meeting people where they are"
UTHealth School of Public Health researchers work to bridge that gap between what intervention programs offer versus what's needed by creating programs based on input from the individuals who have lived the experiences.
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Carol Huber appointed to the Value Based Payment and Quality Improvement Advisory Committee for Texas
Huber will serve as a member representing regional healthcare partnerships.
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Leading data collection effort aimed at reducing teen pregnancy
The data collection effort, expected to take six months, is the second part of a yearlong planning phase to address the issue of pregnancy prevention among children in foster care. Melissa Peskin, PhD, associate professor with UTHealth School of Public Health, will lead the effort.
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Meeting the public health education needs of the Permian Basin community
UTHealth School of Public Health and the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) College of Business have partnered to provide graduate students with the opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate in Public Health while simultaneously earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) beginning Spring 2020.
READ MOREUTPB Partnership CertificateSPH - Our Impact - UTPB Partnership Certificate
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Alumnus appointed to Texas Radiation Advisory Board
Dr. William “Will” Pate, was appointed to the Texas Radiation Advisory Board (TRAB) and will remain in this position until the end of his term on April 16, 2023. Dr. Pate is one of 10 Texas professionals appointed to this board.
