Timely, accurate databases give the Association an advantage in policy discussions. Our data have tremendous credibility in the health policy and regulatory arena. Our data is used by the Medicaid and the Workers' Compensation Insurance programs and other State and private agencies. Our databases greatly reduce duplicate reporting. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and CHA have worked collaboratively for three years to gather the public health data the Department requires using the CHA databases as an alternative to going to each hospital.
Significant expense is saved as a result.
Despite our best efforts, data and information will never be perfect. Changes in such areas as technology, medical practice, quality indicators and physician practice will always result in improved information. Quality and performance improvement is a journey not a destination. We must work to help the public understand the shortcomings of the data we release rather than withholding data because it is not perfect. Waiting for perfection means nothing gets released.