Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC)
1-888-9RESDAC (1-888-973-7322)
resdac@umn.edu
The RIFs contain person-specific data on Medicare providers, beneficiaries, and recipients including individual identifiers that would permit the identity of a beneficiary or physician to be deduced (e.g., date of birth, age, race, sex, residence information).
Data with beneficiary or physician identifiers are subject to the Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act and other Federal government rules and regulations. As such, the information is confidential and is to be used only for reasons compatible with the purpose(s) for which the data are collected.
CMS employs strict security measures to safeguard individual privacy. CMS data release policies seek to ensure that files containing physician and/or beneficiary identifiers are used only when necessary and in accordance with disclosure provisions of the Privacy Act.
Researchers need to submit to CMS a data request packet to CMS's Privacy Board (after required ResDAC review). If CMS approves the release of the data, researchers need to pay the cost incurred in the processing of data.
The LDS data contains beneficiary level health information but exclude specified direct identifiers as outlined in the Privacy Rule. The LDS data are considered identifiable data sets even without the specified direct identifiers. Because the information is considered identifiable, it remains subject to the Privacy Act.
To obtain the LDS data, data requestors must show CMS that their proposed use of the data meets the disclosure provisions for research purposes as defined in both the Privacy Rule and the Privacy Act. The research purpose must related to projects that could ultimately improve the care provided to Medicare beneficiaries or administration of the Medicare program. This includes projects related to improving the quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries or improving the administration of the Medicare program, including payment related projects and the creation of analytical reports.
Researchers need to submit to CMS a data request packet containing a written request letter, research application, LDS Data Use Agreement (DUA), LDS Order Form, and check or money order for payment.
The Non-Identifiable data files have been edited and stripped of all information that could be used to identify individuals. In general the non-identifiable data files contain aggregate level information on Medicare beneficiary or provider utilization.
Non-Identifiable Data Available