Key Features

Beneficiary-centered Medicare data linked (by unique, unidentifiable link key) across the continuum of care, regardless of setting
Readily available data files for 21 predefined chronic conditions
Enhanced 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries includes ever-qualifying beneficiaries (CCW retains beneficiaries with Health Insurance Claim Number changes) from 1999 forward (100% for 2005 forward)
Beneficiary Summary File: Annual beneficiary summary file, containing demographic and enrollment data for beneficiaries (in the requested cohort or other specified population)
Chronic Condition Summary File: Summary of information for each beneficiary in the requested cohort, including flags for 21 predefined chronic condition categories.
Customized data extracts
- Based on researcher-defined care settings, time frames, diagnosis and/or procedure codes, or other criteria
- Based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) diagnosis categorizations using Clinical Classification Software or Comorbidity Software (CCS)
Easy-to-use files
- Data files streamlined to include only those data fields determined by CMS to be useful for research purposes
- SAS® input and label statements files make it easy for researchers to use the data
- Frequency output included for comparative purposes
Please refer to the CCW user manual for additional information