10/14/2022 NOTICE OF SERVICE INTERRUPTION: AHRQ is preparing to transition the online HCUP Central Distributor to a new system. It is expected that the site will be inaccessible for a period of time and order fulfillment will be delayed.

We are working to minimize the disruption, however, we strongly recommend that data users submit any data requests and complete payment as soon as possible to allow adequate time for processing and fulfillment.

This notice will be updated as new information and specific timing is available.

Welcome to the Online HCUP Central Distributor

The HCUP Central Distributor is the entity that accepts, processes, and fulfills applications for the purchase of HCUP databases, and manages data use agreements (DUAs) for all data users.

You may use this online system to:

Browse the Database Catalog for database availability and pricing
Submit DUAs without a data purchase
Submit an application to purchase HCUP databases
Check on the status of your data application
Download your purchased Nationwide Database products
Submit a Data Re-Use Request to use State-level data for a new project
Learn how to transfer custody of your data
Review all student priced data requirements and restrictions

Required HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA) Training

Purchasers and all individuals with access to the HCUP databases are required to complete the web-based HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA) Training. The training takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Note your certification code and completion date for proof of training, which is required to complete your account profile when you Register.

Database Catalog Browsing and Shopping

You may browse the Database Catalog at any time, but you must Register with the HCUP Central Distributor in order to submit an application for purchasing databases or save databases to your shopping cart beyond the current user session. As a registered account holder you may save items in your shopping cart for thirty (30) days before checking out.

Return to Top

Submitting a DUA Without a Data Purchase

If you will be collaborating on another person’s data project, or otherwise using data you do not own, you must submit the appropriate DUA(s) prior to gaining access to the data. See the Data Use Info & Agreements tab for details and instructions.

Submitting an application for purchasing HCUP Databases

To complete and submit an application for purchasing HCUP Databases, you must be a registered account holder.

Log in, select databases from the Database Catalog and add them to your shopping cart.
- Nationwide and State databases cannot be added to the same application. If you plan to use both Nationwide and State databases for your project, you will need to submit two separate orders.
Complete your application, using the check-out process from your shopping cart.
- All online database purchases require online acknowledgment of applicable HCUP Data Use Agreements, the Responsibilities of the Data Purchaser, and the Indemnification Clause.
- Requests for State databases will require a Statement of Intended Use.
- To facilitate the process, review the terms of the data use agreements and prepare your Statement of Intended Use before initiating checkout. See the Data Use Info & Agreements tab for information.
- Payment is accepted by check, wire transfer, and major credit cards issued by US banks. Detailed payment instructions will be included in your order status emails.
- Data will not be released until payment is processed.

After submitting your application, watch for emails from the HCUP Central Distributor (Do-Not-Reply-HCUPDistributor@ibm.com) containing your invoice, any instructions to complete your application, approval notification, and download instructions or shipping confirmation.

Return to Top

Checking the Status of Your Data Application

To access all details of your request, including invoice, Data Use Agreements, Statement of Intended Use, and current status, Log in and view Orders under My Account.
If you requested student pricing, your application is not complete until you provide proof of eligibility for student pricing.
Complete Nationwide applications are ready for payment, and files are delivered via digital download after payment is processed. Complete State applications advance to AHRQ review.
Applications for State-level data are reviewed by ARHQ on behalf of HCUP Partners and will be ready for payment upon AHRQ approval.
State databases are shipped on CD/DVD, typically within 5 business days after payment is processed.
Please include your Order number in all communications with the HCUP Central Distributor to avoid delays.

Downloading Your Purchased Nationwide Databases

Nationwide Databases are delivered via digital download. You will receive an email notification when your purchased Nationwide Database products are ready to download after payment is processed. Instructions are included in the email to log in and view Orders under My Account. Download links expire after 7 days.

Return to Top

Re-using Previously Purchased State-level Data for a New Project

Each application and approval for State-level data is project-specific. If you have State-level HCUP data (SID, SASD, or SEDD) from a previous project and wish to use the data for a purpose other than that originally approved, or as concrete projects emerge from approved exploratory work, you must submit a "Data Re-Use Request" to the HCUP Central Distributor for review and approval by AHRQ before work may begin on the new project.

Data Re-Use requests are submitted and managed on the State Data Re-Use tab under My Account. You must be the current custodian of the HCUP data to submit a re-use request.

Transferring Custody of Your Data to Another Individual

You are the custodian for all data you purchase. If you will no longer have access to your data and will be transferring custody to another person, you may request a data custodian transfer by contacting the HCUP Central Distributor. Please remember that individuals, not entities, are responsible for the use and security of the HCUP data, so the data purchaser remains responsible for any use or potential misuse unless and until custody is formally transferred to another individual.

Student Priced Data Requirements and Restrictions

HCUP data purchased at student pricing may only be used for projects led by the student purchaser. To be eligible for student pricing, the purchaser must provide proof of current enrollment in a degree-seeking program at an institution of higher learning. Student priced data may not be used by or transferred to another individual for any other projects. Student priced data may be retained by the student purchaser for personal use upon leaving their current institution, but may not be left with any entity or institution.

Student priced State-level data may be used by the student purchaser for other projects as long as the standard re-use request process is followed. The student purchaser must be the lead on any data re-use project requested. Nationwide databases do not require a data re-use request but remain restricted to use by the student purchaser for his or her own projects.

Questions?

If you have questions concerning HCUP database purchases, your current order, the submission of required HCUP Data Use Agreements (DUAs), training certificate codes, or invoices, please review the Purchasing FAQs or contact the HCUP Central Distributor:

Phone: (866) 290-HCUP (4287) (toll free)
Email: hcup@ahrq.gov

The HCUP Central Distributor is operated by IBM and Pantheon Software, under contract with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. MOST Investments, LLC, dba Pantheon Software, provides payment processing services for the HCUP Central Distributor. The release of the HCUP data is made possible through a Federal-State-Industry partnership to develop and maintain a family of longitudinal health care databases, related tools, products, and user support services. This partnership is sponsored by AHRQ.