Automated administrative databases are being used increasingly in pharmacoeconomic and outcomes research studies. These databases reflect actual payments for specific plans and populations, and analyses of objective information for drug exposure and health outcome studies can be conducted cost-effectively. OBJECTIVE: This is a descriptive paper on information available in population-based health services databases in the Canadian Province of Saskatchewan. DISCUSSION: In Saskatchewan, the provincial Department of Health funds a number of universal health programs for the provincial population (currently about one million people). As a result of this, the Department maintains large computer databases that include more than 20 years of data on outpatient prescription drug use and over 25 years of data on hospital separations, physician services, and cancer cases for the provincial population. The databases can be linked electronically by a health services number unique for each individual. Specific cost and payment information is available for physician services and prescription drug use. Prescription drug cost information includes the drug material cost, mark-up, and professional fee components by individual brand dispensed as well as amount paid by patient and government enabling pharmacoeconomic analyses from various perspectives. Review of primary records (e.g., hospital charts) and patient surveys can be conducted to obtain additional outcome data not available in the administrative databases. Saskatchewan Health recognizes the value of these data for outcomes and health services research and has established procedures and guidelines to facilitate use of the data for research while maintaining individual privacy and the integrity of the files. A number of pharmacoepidemiological and pharmacoeconomic studies have been completed using the Saskatchewan data. This presentation will highlight the data available and the potential to contribute further to outcomes research.