Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) is a national initiative in the United States that collects and analyzes data on healthcare services. It provides insights into how much healthcare costs and how various services are utilized across hospitals and clinics. HCUP's databases help policymakers, researchers, and public health officials understand trends in healthcare access, quality, and costs, ultimately supporting improvements in healthcare delivery and efficiency. By aggregating information from different states, HCUP plays a vital role in shaping healthcare policy and ensuring better health outcomes for communities.