Data FAQs

Data Research FAQs

Q: What data are available through the LTC Data Cooperative?

A: Please refer to the LTC Data Cooperative Data Dictionary found under the Downloads section of the Data Page.

Q: How often are data updated?
A: CMS and EHR data are updated on a quarterly basis. Clinical trials may also request EHR data updated on a monthly basis.

Q: What is not included in the LTC Data Cooperative dataset?
A: The LTC Data Cooperative dataset does not include unstructured nursing notes, structured nursing notes, PDF documents (e.g., hospital discharge records, radiology or lab results), daily ADL documentation done by CNAs, or care plan documentation. For access to data elements beyond the standard dataset or creation of custom cohorts or outcome data, researchers may request a quote for supplemental data element creation.

The dataset does not include name or medical record identifiers. Resident date of birth (rather than just year), identifiable information about providers (e.g. name, NPI), or identifiable information about facilities (e.g. name, CCN), are not available unless approved by the LTC Data Cooperative, the researcher’s funding body, and an applicable research oversight entity (i.e., institutional review board, privacy board).

Q: Can LTC Data Cooperative data be linked to public-use data files?
A: No. As of 2026, the LTC Data Cooperative no longer offers a crosswalk to the Provider Information file (5-star ratings, hours per resident day, nursing case-mix index), nor permits the data to be linked to other publicly available datasets that offer SNF-identifiable information. Researchers may continue to request linkage with eligible CMS data available through the NIA Data LINKAGE Program.

Q: How should I proceed if my study requires identifiable information at the provider or facility level?
A: Email LTCDataCooperative@AHCA.org for details about required approvals and next steps.

Q: I’m interested in the CMS-EMR linked data via NIA Data LINKAGE. What data are available?

A: Please refer to our Available Data page for a list of files and years available.

Q: What are the dates of available EHR data?
A: We generally see the most comprehensive data from January 2019 onward. However, there is some facility-by-facility variation that may depend on when the facility implemented their EHR or when an organization acquired a facility. There is also some variation in how complete older data may be. For more information, please refer to our Available Data page.

Q: How long is access granted to the LTC Data Cooperative dataset?
A: Data access is granted in 12-month increments, which coincides with the date data access is granted, plus 12 calendar months or the conclusion of the study

Q: Are electronic health record data available in real-time?
A: The availability of electronic health record data varies by vendor and data lag times can range from about 1 to 6 months.

Q: Are claims data available in real-time?
A: As a result of our data ingestion and linkage processes, we expect there to be a six-month lag between the electronic health records and their corresponding claims.

Q: Can researchers download LTC Data Cooperative dataset data?
A: No, the data remains in the virtual computing environment (Enclave) to ensure compliance with the LTC Data Cooperative’s privacy and security standards.

Q: Can researchers export code and results deriving from data analysis?
A: Analytic code and aggregate results can be downloaded after a review and approval process confirming no PHI/PII or patient-level data are present in the requested export.

Q: Can researchers upload their own data or code to the LTC Data Cooperative Portal?
A: Additional data sources and prewritten code can be uploaded to the virtual computing environment (Enclave) after a review process to ensure alignment with LTC Data Cooperative standards.

Q: Do I need to download any software to access the data?
A: Data environment access is granted through a web browser; common analysis software is pre-installed in the environment. Additionally, a desktop client for PC or Mac can be downloaded to access the environment.

Q: What analytic software is available?
A: SPSS is not available in the virtual environment; SAS, Stata, and R are available in the virtual environment.

Q: Can I request a software package?
A: Please reach out to LTCDC-Support@acumenllc.com to request a software package be added to the enclave.

Q: Are there storage restrictions in the data enclave?
A: Yes, each project is allocated 300 GB storage space in the shared Project Directories and 100 MB in each user’s Home Directory. Please delete any unnecessary/unneeded files from the directory. Refrain from saving individualized versions of the data, e.g., Stata versions of domain files.

Q: Is there internet access in the enclave?
A: No, internet access is not available within the enclave.

Q: Do you have a policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), including natural language processing (NLP) and language learning models (LLMs)?
A: Yes, please email LTCDataCooperative@AHCA.org for further information.

Q: What facility-level characteristics are available in the LTC Data Cooperative data?
A: Facility-level characteristics include state, ownership type, and facility type. Researchers who need specific facility-level variables, including variables from external data sources, should describe those needs in their data request so the LTC Data Cooperative team can assess feasibility.

Q: What if I see something in the data that I have questions on or don’t expect?
A: Please contact us at LTCDC-Support@acumenllc.com.

Q: Can I receive additional training on the LINKAGE enclave?

A: Yes! LINKAGE offers several training opportunities, including virtual researcher bootcamps, a Blackboard site, job aids, and other resources. For more information, please visit https://linkagesupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us or email support@linkagesupport.zendesk.com.