Texas to implement an All-Payer Claims Database

You may be scratching your head and asking “What is an All-Payer Claims Database (APCD)?” It is a large-scale database that collects health care data from many payer sources. It includes claims from hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies and labs. It is typically created under a state mandate and in Texas that would be Senate Bill 7.



The APCD is unique because it provides information on charges in the outpatient setting, but should not to be confused or meant to replace existing data programs such as the Texas Health Care Information Collection (THCIC) agency. Both databases complement each other and can enhance data usage for market and policy uses.

One of the motivations for the APCD is to increase transparency for consumers. Other states that have an APCD publish hospital charge information so consumers can compare prices for procedures. This data can also be used for population health, tracking hospital acquired conditions, improving patient safety, transitions of care and research.

Texas is currently developing recommendations to submit to the legislature in creating this centralized claims database and the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Foundation looks forward to the opportunity to support this initiative.