On this page you will find information on the latest version of available data via the LTC Data Cooperative, as well as instructions on how to request additional years of data.
EHR data are matched to CMS data on a quarterly basis. Each data release includes a new crosswalk that links the updated EHR and CMS datasets for that release period. Prior data releases retain their own separate crosswalks and are not retroactively linked to newer datasets.
Researchers may only access two linked EHR/CMS dataset versions, and their associated crosswalks, at any given time. Once you request an updated refresh of data, the oldest dataset version available to you will be archived. Crosswalks are only valid within the specific paired data release and cannot be used to link a prior EHR dataset to a newer CMS dataset or vice versa.
Instructions for Requesting Updated Years of CMS Data
Studies with access to LTC Data Cooperative EHR data linked with CMS files through the NIA Data LINKAGE Program may request updated CMS data years as they become available. The LTC Data Cooperative will notify approved studies when new CMS years are available, as requests for these additional data may only be submitted after the LTC Data Cooperative has obtained access to the updated CMS files.
Preparing for requesting access to most recent CMS data files
Prior to requesting access to the most recent data files linked to an LTC Data Cooperative dataset, the following must be in place:
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The IRB protocol and associated determination letter must cover all years of data being requested .
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Your Principal Investigator must have access to
LINKAGE DOCS.
Requesting access to most recent CMS files: LINKAGE DUA amendment process
The LTC Data Cooperative will notify approved researchers of the new years of CMS data files available to request.
Within
LINKAGE DOCS, go to “Participation Tasks” and select the NIA DUA corresponding with your approved projects. Go to “Amend NIA DUA.” Download the newest version of the LINKAGE Data Request Form (reflecting available years of CMS data, including those most recently linked with the LTC Data Cooperative) and upload the completed version of the LINKAGE Data Request Form that requests all years of CMS data.
Electronic health record (EHR) and linked-CMS data files available from the LTC Data Cooperative
Please refer to the tables of Available Data for a summary of the latest available year of CMS data matched to the corresponding EHR data file. Table 2 is included for reference and displays a detailed list of the CMS data files and variable categories mentioned in Table 1, with start and end year for the individual files listed. Columns in gray reflect previous versions of the data and are included for reference. The most recent version of data is only available to researchers who have an executed DUA that reflects these years of data.