Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

CHCA collects, analyzes and aggregates data related to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s) in Arkansas. The data sources are used to develop fact sheets, reports, and white papers which are used to educate the public, stakeholders, and patients about the CHC system of delivery and to improve the quality of health care provided in Arkansas CHCs. Data is also used in developing marketing materials and activities to promote CHCs around the state.

• UDS
  The Uniform Data Set is a set of data collected by each FQHC related to the CHC patients and their encounters. The data is used to track a variety of information, including patient demographics, services provided, staffing, clinical indicators, utilization rates, costs, and revenues. UDS data is used to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, improve health center performance and operations, and report overall program accomplishments. CHCA also uses the data identify trends. UDS data can be used to compare Arkansas CHC patients to non-CHC patients, and to compare Arkansas CHC patients to CHC patients nationwide. CHCA uses the UDS data to inform CHCs, their partners, and communities about the patients served by the Health Centers.

• Clinical Measures
  Through grants and special projects, CHCA collects data on a variety of clinical measures. CHCA develops user friendly means of gathering and disseminating the information, serving as an information hub connecting CHCs to research/funding partners, state and national agencies, and other interested parties. The clinical data is useful for highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement within the CHC health care delivery system, and for developing targeted programs to continue improving the quality of care offered in a CHC.

• Financial Trends
  CHCA partners with CapitalLink to prepare a statewide Financial Trends Analysis. This study examines some key financial ratios and trends for Arkansas community health centers and how they compare to their peers on a national level. The information presented provides a snapshot of the overall financial position of community health centers and provides health center senior management, Boards of Directors, CHCA, and other stakeholders the basis for further analysis and action.

• State Economic Impact
  CHCA partners with CapitalLink to prepare a State Economic Impact report to demonstrate that Arkansas CHCs are powerful “economic engines” whose business operations significantly impact their local economies. The statewide economic impact report shows the effect CHCs have on their communities through direct employment, purchases of goods and services, and how they further stimulate their local economies through indirect spending.

• Policy/Legislative Analysis
  CHCA works in concert with its CHC members to continuously monitor the changing health care environment at all levels. It provides in-depth analysis of the key legislative and regulatory issues affecting health centers, their staff, and the patients they serve.