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This variable is contained in the following files:
SAS Name
RTI_RACE_CD
Beneficiary race code (modified using RTI algorithm). Enhanced race/ethnicity designation based on first and last name algorithms.
| Code | Code value |
|---|---|
| 0 | UNKNOWN |
| 1 | NON-HISPANIC WHITE |
| 2 | BLACK (OR AFRICAN-AMERICAN) |
| 3 | OTHER |
| 4 | ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER |
| 5 | HISPANIC |
| 6 | AMERICAN INDIAN / ALASKA NATIVE |
This variable is created by taking the beneficiary race code that has historically been used by the Social Security Administration (and is in turn used in CMS’s enrollment data base) and applying an algorithm that identifies more beneficiaries as Hispanic or Asian.
This algorithm was developed by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) and is thus often referred to as the “RTI race code”.
The algorithm classifies beneficiaries as Hispanic or Asian if their SSA race code equals 4 (Asian) or 5 (Hispanic), or if they have a first or last name that RTI determined was likely Hispanic or Asian in origin.
Source: CMS Common Medicare Environment (CME) (derived)