Unlocking longitudinality: How hybrid claims data transforms RWE/HEOR studies

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Hybrid claims data are revolutionizing real-world evidence (RWE) and health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) by overcoming gaps found in traditional insurance claims datasets. Closed claims, though detailed, lose track of patients once they move between jobs, insurers, or health plans, creating significant discontinuities in patient histories and weakening research validity. By integrating both open and closed claims, hybrid datasets restore continuity, offering a more complete picture of patient journeys across the healthcare system.

Evidence from Forian’s CHRONOS ecosystem highlights these benefits. Between 2021 and 2023, more than 95% of patients tracked in closed claims were also captured in open claims. Disease-specific analyses showed even greater improvements, especially for patients dealing with complex conditions.

In this Guest Column, Wouter van der Pluijm and Mike Sicilia of Forian explore how hybrid claims data can extend patient journeys, strengthen longitudinal analyses, and improve the quality of RWE and HEOR.

READ THE FULL GUEST COLUMN HERE

Authors

Michael Sicilia
RWD Data Scientist, Forian, Inc.

Michael Sicilia is a RWE Data Scientist at Forian, Inc., where he designs and conducts real-world evidence studies. Prior to joining Forian in 2024, Michael was at EVERSANA where he implemented complex outcome, economic, burden-of-illness, and machine learning analyses on rare disease patient populations. In total, he has over 5 years of experience in the real-world data/evidence space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

Wouter van der Pluijm
Vice President of Market Insights & Solutions, Forian, Inc.

As the Vice President of Market Insights & Solutions, Wouter works extensively with Forian’s real-world data ecosystem. His responsibilities range from identifying and integrating new data sources to scoping and delivering analytic and evidentiary solutions to Forian clients.

Wouter has worked in the real-world data space for over a decade, having roles in sales enablement, integrated solution design, as well as forecasting and evidence generation. Combined with his experience as an epidemiologist, Wouter brings a balance of both clinical and commercial experience in supporting Forian’s clients across the Life Science and Healthcare landscape. Prior to joining Forian, Wouter spent 7 years at DRG/Clarivate and worked at the local public health level as an Epidemiologist. He holds an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan.