Introduction

Members of the UI research community and Wellmark have partnered for years on various (individual) research projects involving use of health claims data. These collaborations have been very successful, and appreciated by both organizations. In light of this, the Advisory Board of the College of Public Health held discussions for quite some time on how to better partner for the health of all Iowans. It was through this organization that the concept of creating a database of Wellmark claims data for research and educational purposes arose.

A statement of purpose for this database, as agreed upon by Wellmark and UI is as follows: "The Wellmark Data Repository is a longitudinal Limited Data Set of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa health care claims information on a subpopulation of Iowans, held and maintained in a secured electronic environment at the University of Iowa.  Its purpose is to facilitate research at the University of Iowa that would be expected to accomplish one of the following: (1) provide insight into and greater understanding of health care usage patterns; (2) provide insight into the level of need for services in the past, present and/or projected future; and (3) provide insight into how possible changes in health care policy or access have affected, or might be expected to affect health care usage, cost, outcomes, and/or quality."

It may also be used for educational purposes of students, consistent with this purpose. The database includes selected administrative claims data and enrollment periods on individuals residing in Iowa and South Dakota who have health care insurance underwritten by Wellmark. It does not include the health care claims data of individuals whose health care coverage is underwritten by another entity but claims processed by Wellmark (e.g., U of IA employees). A unique ID assigned by Wellmark is used to match claims to the individual, but this ID cannot be matched to any direct identifiers or to any other database. The Center for Public Health Statistics, which oversees the data registry on campus does not have access to subject identities. The data can only be accessed by individuals (using hawkid) with IRB approval and via an approval process by Wellmark. The server blocks any movement of files, so all analyses must be performed on that server and the data may not be moved or copied. These data are not available to investigators who are not on the University of Iowa campus, and will not be made accessible to commercial organizations. Use of the data is strictly limited to the scope specifically described in the access request and expressly authorized by Wellmark within the limits of the Wellmark-UI Data Use Agreement and under the access terms defined in this agreement. While the agreement between Wellmark and the University of Iowa is in place, the data will be updated yearly.

Because of the ownership of these data by Wellmark and their need to protect their corporate interests, they have the right to approve or disapprove any project. However, once the project is approved, they are obligated to respect the rights of the faculty to perform independent research and publish their results. (See the data use agreement signed by UI and Wellmark.)