Data Linkage Costs

The Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL) charges a fee for the linkage of records undertaken by CHeReL. The fee matrix below shows the estimated fees for CHeReL linkage services, depending on the cohort size and the number and types of datasets to be linked.

For example, a research project with a cohort of up to 5,000 persons, using up to 10 datasets which includes a combination of 5 MLK and 5 external (non-MLK) datasets, will cost approximately $12,000, excluding GST, for the linkage service.

Linkage fee matrix showing the estimated fee (exc GST) for a CHeReL linkage service based on the cohort size and number and types of datasets to be linked.

*MLK – CHeReL master linkage key datasets

The following details what is included and excluded in calculating the estimated fee for the linkage service:

• The price estimate is exclusive of GST, which is payable on top of the estimated amount above.
• Estimates assume clean data is provided, i.e. identifiers are available and content is linkable. Should a data cleaning service be required, additional fees will apply.
• Estimates assume that each non-MLK dataset to be linked comes in one file. Additional data sourcing fees applies for more than one file per dataset.
• Additional linkage fees (starting from $5,000) apply for the following types of linkage services: case-control (eg requiring control selection), family (eg linkage of mother and child records), cross-agency linkages (e.g. ABS and AIHW) and cross-jurisdictional linkages (eg NSW and Victoria).
• Additional fees may apply for projects requiring more intensive project management, or where data extraction is required.
• A more detailed quote will be provided after your full application has been submitted to the CHeReL.

For more information, contact the CHeReL at MOH-CHeReL@health.nsw.gov.au.

Note these linkage costs are not inclusive of costs associated with the use of a Secure Access Environment. 

For some non-NSW Health data requests (e.g. 45 and Up Study, AEDC, BOCSAR etc.) you will need to contact the data custodians/organisation directly to confirm whether additional data extraction fees apply. 

Multijurisdictional projects may require linkage conducted by other data linkage units (e.g. AIHW). Other data linkage units may also charge for linkage.