Technical Guidance for Researchers Calculating Population Statistics

The CCW data files were designed to support a variety of research objectives. The 21 predefined CCW conditions make it easy to select a study population with a condition of interest. These condition variables (contained in the Chronic Condition Summary File) can be used to calculate various population statistics. Researchers can use additional coverage information from the Beneficiary Summary File to further refine statistics of interest.

A technical guidance paper is available to explain various methods for calculating population statistics using the CCW data and summary files. This paper provides guidance on how researchers can:

1. appropriately identify a study group based on clinical criteria (or combination of clinical and coverage specifications), and
2. define an appropriate denominator for rate calculations, if applicable.

Technical Guidance for Researchers Calculating Population Statistics

For additional information related to the chronic condition flags or CCW data, please contact the CCW Research Coordinator.