NCHS Data Linkage Activities

NCHS has developed a record linkage program designed to maximize the scientific value of the Center's population-based surveys. Linked data files enable researchers to examine the factors that influence disability, chronic disease, health care utilization, morbidity, and mortality. NCHS is currently linking various NCHS surveys with death certificate records from the National Death Index (NDI), Medicare enrollment and claims data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Retirement, Survivor, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit data from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Linked Data Resources by Topic Area:

• Mortality data
• Medicare Enrollment and Claims data (CMS)
• Social Security Benefit History data (SSA)

Linked Data Resources by NCHS Survey:

• National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
  • Mortality data (NDI-1986-2002)
  • Medicare Enrollment and Claims data (CMS-1991-2000)
  • SSA-RSDI (1962-2003) & SSA-SSI (1974-2003) benefit data
• NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study (NHEFS)
  • Mortality data (NDI-1971-2000)
  • Medicare Enrollment and Claims data (CMS-1991-2000)
  • SSA-RSDI (1962-2003) & SSA-SSI (1974-2003) benefit data
• Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II)
  • Mortality data (NDI-1976-2000)
  • Medicare utilization and expenditure data (CMS-1991-2000)
• Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)
  • Mortality data (NDI-1988-2000)
  • Medicare Enrollment and Claims data (CMS-1991-2000)
  • SSA-RSDI (1962-2003) & SSA-SSI (1974-2003) benefit data
• The Second Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOAII)
  • Mortality data (1994-2002)
  • Medicare Enrollment and Claims data (CMS-1991-2000)
  • SSA-RSDI (1962-2003) & SSA-SSI (1974-2003) benefit data
• 1985 National Nursing Home Survey
  • Mortality data (1985-2002)
  • SSA-RSDI (1962-2003) & SSA-SSI (1974-2003) benefit data