Some proposed uses of SPARCS data may be achievable without sending the entire statewide data
file(s) for the years requested. In those cases, the SPARCS program can extract specific subsets of the
statewide data based on appropriate criteria. Extraction criteria may be proposed by the applicant or by
the DGC or SPARCS Administrator during the review process. Data extractions support the SPARCS
program policy of providing the minimum data necessary to complete the approved project.
The following extraction criteria are currently available:
• Claim Type (IP only, ED only, or OP only)
• Patient County of Residence
• Hospital County
• Age
• Gender
• Hospital Permanent Facility Identifier (PFI)
In addition, during the review and evaluation process, the SPARCS department may suggest different extraction combinations to adhere to the minimum data necessary to carry out the research. Extractions are often recommended when the research is narrow enough to subset the statewide dataset based on the available extraction data elements and criteria.