MCAH Data Dashboards
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get more recent data?
2. When are the data updated?
3. Can I get the data shown in the dashboard?
4. Can I get data not shown in the dashboard?
5. Can I get the (raw) dataset?
6. Did race/ethnicity change?
7. How can I insert a graphic into my document?
8. After I download the data table, how do I find a specific data point?
9. Can I get (more) data for my (small) county/geography or population subgroup?
10. Where can I get information about the data definitions, data sources, how rates/percentages are calculated, etc.?
    

FAQ Responses

Q. Can I get more recent data?

A. The MCAH data dashboards show the​ most recent data available to us. After receiving and processing an updated dataset, it is a top priority to publish the updated data to the dashboards so that users have the most recent data available. 

Q. When are the data updated?

A. Most of the dashboards are updated on an annual basis, after we in MCAH receive and process updated datasets. Since MCAH is not the data owner of the data sources used for the dashboards, the timing of when we receive updated datasets is beyond our control. We understand how important it is for users to have the most recent data available. Showing the most recent data in the dashboards is a top priority. 

Q. Can I get the data shown in the dashboard?

A. Yes. All the data shown in the dashboards (all years, all geographies, all categories, etc.) are available in the downloadable Excel table linked above each dashboard. Simply click on the “Download Data” link and open the Excel table. (Hint: Apply filters on the column names in the top row for sorting or finding specific data points.) 

Q. Can I get data not shown in the dashboard?

A. Yes. You can submit a data request through MCAHDataHelp@cdph.ca.gov. Please note requests may take 6–8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the analyses, the amount of data requested, and staff availability. Additional time is required for MCAH management to review and approve the release of the data requested. 

Q. Can I get the (raw) dataset?

A. MCAH cannot provide the datasets, or data sources/files, used to generate the summary results shown on the data dashboards. For most datasets (e.g., birth records, death records, hospitalization records), MCAH is not the data owner or data custodian. We request and acquire these datasets from the data owners, and secondary release of the files is not permitted. For other datasets, (e.g., MIHA data), the determination by the California Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects prevents CDPH/MCAH from releasing the files. 

If you are still interested in requesting a dataset, please contact the following:

• For vital statistics files: CDPH Center for Health Statistics and Information
• For in-hospital patient discharge data: California Department for Health Care Access and Information
• For questions related to the Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) survey, please send your message to MIHA@cdph.ca.gov. Individual level survey data are not available, but summary data can be requested.
• For information related to other datasets/data sources, please refer to the “About the Data” document linked above and below every dashboard. This document includes information on the data source(s) used to generate the results shown in the corresponding dashboard. 

Q. Did race/ethnicity change?

A. The subcategory definitions for race/ethnicity did not change. Only the labels were changed to be more descriptive and to show the distinction between the older, mutually exclusive subcategories of race/ethnicity (based on race alone for non-Hispanic origin) and the newer, non-mutually exclusive subcategories (based on race alone or in combination with one or more other races regardless of Hispanic origin). Note that AIAN is American Indian/Alaska Native and NHPI is Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

This table shows the old and new labels for the older, mutually exclusive subcategories:

This table shows the labels for the new, non-mutually exclusive subcategories:

Q. How can I insert a graphic into my document?

A. It depends on your computer, but, in general, you can hit the “print screen” button on your keyboard, copy the picture, and paste it into a document, such as a Microsoft Word document or a PowerPoint presentation. Please be sure to cite the dashboard in your document. Suggested citations are at the end of the “About the Data" document (and each dashboard has its own “About the Data" document linked in two places on the webpage – one above the dashboard and one below the dashboard). 

Q. After I download the data table, how do I find a specific data point?

A. The downloaded data table is an Excel file. In Excel, go to the “Data” tab and click on the “Filter” button. Filters will be applied to the first row of the data table (the row with labels). Use the drop-down arrows and select the option(s) you want to see. 

Q. Can I get (more) data for my (small) county/geography or population subgroup?

A. Data shown for small counties/geographies and population subgroups with small numbers are limited to protect the confidentiality of an individual’s information. For most dashboards, data are suppressed when there are fewer than 10 events in the numerator. For county dashboards, three years of data are grouped in an effort to show more data for each county. However, sometimes we are still unable to show data for counties with small populations. You can submit a data request through MCAHDataHelp@cdph.ca.gov to discuss possible options. 

Q. Where can I get information about the data definitions, data sources, how rates/percentages are calculated, etc.?

A. On the dashboard webpage, click on the link “About the Data” — it is located in two places: one above the dashboard and one below the dashboard.