Data Dictionaries

The CCW data files were designed to facilitate research across the continuum of care, using data files that could be easily merged and analyzed by beneficiary. Each beneficiary in the CCW sample is assigned a unique, unidentifiable link key, which allows researchers to easily merge data files and perform relevant analyses. CCW data files are available upon request from CMS for 21 predefined chronic condition cohorts or other researcher-defined populations.

The CCW claims data files have been streamlined to include only those variables determined by CMS to be useful for research purposes. The data files delivered from the CCW contain a subset of the original source files. Variables used infrequently or not applicable to a particular setting have been removed. The file record layouts listed below provide variable descriptions, variable format, and length for those variables included in the CCW data files.

NOTE: Useful Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) Data Validation Tables, Data Anomalies Reports, and other data documentation about file content by state and year are available for review on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) web site.