Determining the actual cost of health care has become a hot-button issue given rising costs and health care reform. UDOH developed a database to better understand and analyze health care costs across the state by tracking the cost and quality of medical care. The APCD uses data from private insurance agencies and public health organizations.
"Leveraging information assets to gain efficiency while governing the proper costs of services is a core example of what information management is all about," said Mark Smith, Ventana CEO & Chief Research Officer. "Congratulations to the Utah Department of Health for providing a unified view of health care treatments and costs to support a range of cost management and governance-related needs for improving care."
Over time, the APCD will enable the state to identify populations that are underserved or not receiving screenings or preventive care, allowing for the better allocation of services and resources. The APCD will also eventually allow citizen access, so Utahns can understand and compare costs and options for their care.
"Having a complete and accurate picture is especially important because we believe that statewide episode of care analysis across payers will yield a broad spectrum of data vital to public health, policy, and economic decision making,” said Dr. Keely Cofrin Allen, director, UDOH Office of Health Care Statistics,
Cofrin Allen also notes: “The Informatica software’s ability to identify and link records over time and reduce duplication within the system is essential to high quality analysis."
In its release announcing the award, Informatica noted, “With its All Payer Claims Database program to track the cost and quality of medical care, the UDOH has created a seamless data collection/access/analysis environment around health care data in the state of Utah. The Informatica Platform was used to design and power the linking elements of the database, including ensuring the quality of the data and protecting patient privacy.”
The Ventana Leadership Awards recognize technology vendors and their customers that have most effectively achieved success through using people, processes, information and technology and applying best practices within specific business and technology categories. By receiving this award, the UDOH has been acknowledged for demonstrating business leadership requiring a clear vision, understanding, determination, and a team effort.
Media Contact:
Keely Cofrin Allen, Ph.D.
Office Director
801-538-6551 (office)
801-538-9916 (cell)
