Research Data Assistance Center

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Available CMS Data > Medicare > Requesting Data

Requesting CMS Data

Identifiable Data Files

CMS requires that ResDAC review all requests for identifiable data files for completeness and accuracy prior to submission to CMS.

• New Use Request: Request involves request for new data.
• Reuse Request: Request involves request to reuse data originally released for another purpose.
• Amendment/Update to existing DUA Request: Request involves making a request for additional years of data for the same project.

CMS's Identifiable Data files may be released by CMS under one of twelve Privacy Act Disclosure Exceptions. Identifiable data used for a health-related research, evaluation, or epidemiologic project fall under the Research Routine Use exception as presented in the Federal Register. For description of RIF data, click here.

The data request documentation is required and used by CMS to evaluate whether the data can be released for research purposes. Approval for data release is based on the information contained within this documentation. CMS review criteria can be found here.

The data request process varies slightly for requestors from Federal agencies, state government, Congress, or their contractors. For a comprehensive description of the data request process for these entities go here.

The identifiable data requests are reviewed by a CMS Privacy Board. The CMS Privacy Board generally convenes the fourth Thursday of the month. Once emailed, data request packets can be reviewed by ResDAC staff within 5-7 days. However, ResDAC recommends emailing your request materials to ResDAC one month prior to the CMS Privacy Board meeting to allow time for making updates to the documentation, for mailing the packet to CMS, and for the request to be received and assigned for CMS review.

Limited Data Set Files

Requests for LDS Data do not require a ResDAC review. ResDAC staff are available to review your data request packet materials for completeness and accuracy prior to their submission to CMS.

• New Use Request: Request involves request for new data.
• Reuse Request (also called re-release): Request involves request to reuse data originally released for another purpose.

CMS's LDS Files may be released by CMS under one of twelve Privacy Act Disclosure Exceptions. LDS Files used for a health-related research, evaluation, or epidemiologic project fall under the Research Routine Use exception as presented in the Federal Register. 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. For description of LDS data, click here.

The following documentation is required and used by CMS to evaluate whether the data can be released for research purposes. Approval for data release is based on the information contained within this documentation.

Last Modified August 5, 2008