Overview
Dataset Summary
The Medicare Claims Data, accessed through the Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC), provide comprehensive administrative claims data on Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. These data include detailed information on healthcare utilization, diagnoses, procedures, costs, enrollment, and outcomes across inpatient, outpatient, physician, skilled nursing, home health, and prescription drug (Part D) services.
Medicare claims data are foundational for health services research, policy analysis, and studies of healthcare utilization, spending, quality, and outcomes among older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Caveats
- Access requires a Data Use Agreement (DUA) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
- The approval and data acquisition process can take several months.
- Substantial data access and storage fees may apply.
- As administrative claims data, analyses depend on accurate coding and lack certain clinical detail not required for billing.
Examples of Outcomes Examined
- Impact of policy changes on utilization and outcomes
- Cost of care analyses
- Hospitalization and readmission rates
- Quality and performance measurement
Topic
Health Policy & Advocacy, Quality and Outcomes, Research
Resource Type
Dataset
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