Optum Labs
What is Optum Labs?
Optum Labs is a collaborative research and innovation center with its core linked data assets in the Optum Labs Data Warehouse (OLDW), and has been growing with new partnerships ever since. University of Maryland Baltimore joined the Optum Labs collaborative as a partner in 2024. The University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC) leads this important relationship.
Optum Labs provides a rich research environment — including data, technology, collaboration space, and operating processes.
Its core linked data asset, the Optum Labs Data Warehouse (OLDW), is a comprehensive, real-world database that contains de-identified, longitudinal health information on enrollees and patients, representing a mixture of ages and geographical regions across the United States. The claims data in OLDW includes medical and pharmacy claims, laboratory results and enrollment records for over 200M commercial and Medicare Advantage enrollees. The EHR-derived data includes a subset of EHR data that has been normalized and standardized into a single database. Additional data linkages may be feasible, as long as there is no risk of data re-identification.
All data are kept in a secure environment and in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations; no personally identifiable information is shared.
Why Optum Labs?
In addition to gaining access to the largest U.S.-linked patient database available, researchers are able to leverage a network of world-class thought leaders from across Optum Labs partners.
UMB investigators have conducted impactful research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) using data from the Optum Labs Data Warehouse. You can use the link below to review some of the research using Optum Labs data published by UMB investigators.
How to Conduct a Research Project
Using Optum Labs Data
Dedicated to the Optum Labs relationship, the UM-IHC Optum Labs microsite has key information about Optum Labs and the process by which the UMB community can engage with them for research, grant opportunities, and innovation. The site contains valuable information, including FAQs, a fee schedule, and detailed presentations on the data warehouse assets.
Next Steps
If you are interested in learning more about Optum Labs data or are ready to begin a project, reach out to your Partner Relationship Manager to schedule an Optum Labs Introductory Meeting.
Questions?
Contact: Rozalina G. McCoy, MD, MS or Lisa Pineles, MA
