The MHIC has been working with healthcare claims and utilization databases since the early 1980s. The MHIC has extensive experience in collecting data and in warehousing and maintaining complete data systems. The MHIC staff works closely with clients to customize the approach to building databases to meet specific needs.
The MHIC has worked for years to guarantee the accuracy and quality of the MHIC databases. MHIC performs extensive edit and logic checking on all data received at the MHIC regardless of the source. Logic checks are performed on all combinations of age and gender groupings and specialty/service combinations, duplicate records are removed, and a review process is undertaken to identify potential missing data. The IT staff at the MHIC handles data from many disparate sources. For ease of use, the MHIC approach to building a database is to convert all data to a common format.
 
MHIC's database management work includes:

• Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company(MEMIC)
• Maine EMS
• Maine Health Management Coalition
• MaineCare
• MEA Benefits Trust
• Statewide Hospital Discharge Databases

Survey Coordination and Outcomes Research

Since the 1980s the MHIC has been partnering with health service researchers to conduct statewide patient outcome studies including the Maine Prostatectomy Study, the Maine Lumbar Spine Study, the Carpal Tunnel Study, and the Maine Osteopathic Manipulation Study.

Once patient surveys are received at the MHIC, they are computerized and all data are validated. The MHIC maintains automated log files that retain all information regarding the schedule for surveys, responses, follow-up, and comments.

The MHIC research staff provides a wide range of services to MHIC clients. The staff specializes in designing and implementing analyses using large, complex healthcare databases. The staff is familiar with the use of medical claims, workers' comp claims, inpatient and outpatient hospital utilization, and other administrative databases. The MHIC has relied on these and other data to examine the cost and quality of the healthcare system as well as to evaluate programs intended to improve the quality of care and reduce costs. The staff has extensive experience presenting results to MHIC clients and at national conferences. Researchers at the MHIC routinely collaborate with academic organizations, foundations, and government agencies at both the state and national level.