The Limited Data Set (LDS) is the same as our previous BEFs with the exception that the HIC is completely blank in the LDS. The DESY-SORT-KEY is the unique beneficiary identifier field in the LDS files. It will be consistent within the file, across files, and across time, but cannot be used for any other purpose and will not be accepted for search for other CMS data. The DESY-SORT-KEY is provided within 50-bytes generated by DESY and added at the end of the base (or fixed portion) record of each claim. This does not affect the statistical quality of the data as the properties of the data and relative proportions are still the same. In other words, an identified cohort of patients (by diagnosis code as an example) is still the same. These files are available by type of claim or collectively as a group. The 5% sample is created based on selecting records with 05, 20, 45, 70 or 95 in positions 8 and 9 of the Health Insurance Claim (HIC) number. The term 'providers' is used universally to refer to physicians, as well as, institutions. Medicare Institutional provider numbers are not encrypted; however, physician identifiers, e.g. UPINs, etc. are encrypted in the public use files. Physician Identification (ID) numbers are encrypted. The DESY Link Key field provides an encrypted number that enables users to find all claims for a single beneficiary. These files contain final action claims data in which all adjustments have been resolved. Files are scheduled to be released in late November. File cost is per year Media: CD or DVD - check individual file for media offered * If you would like your data output on an external hard drive, add $100 Available: 1997 through 2006 Note: 100% Physician/Supplier Part B (Carrier) File not provided due to file size. See Instructions on How to Request LDS Data Files in the Related Links Inside CMS section below. See the links in the "Downloads" section below to find: - Price List and Media Output for SAFs - Data Dictionary for SAS and CSV Datasets
Page Last Modified: 11/12/2008 3:56:18 PM
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