Working with the Carrier and Outpatient Files: Overview and Examples

Date Recorded

This video is one segment in a series of videos from ResDAC’s Introduction to the Use of the Medicare Encounter Data for Research.

This presentation describes the steps taken to compare the Encounter data with HEDIS data for two measures: ambulatory outpatient visits and emergency department visits. Dr. Huckfeldt also presents a research example investigating the association of enrollment in full-risk primary organization with use of outpatient and emergency visits, including his lessons learned.

Encounter Data Structure

Date Recorded

This video is one segment in a series of videos from ResDAC’s Introduction to the Use of the Medicare Encounter Data for Research.

This presentation describes the complex structure of the Medicare Advantage encounter data files available for request. Topics include:

Medicare Advantage Beneficiary and Plan Information

Date Recorded

This video is one segment in a series of videos from ResDAC’s Introduction to the Use of the Medicare Encounter Data for Research.

This presentation overviews key variables describing Medicare Advantage enrollment in the MBSF: 

  • Monthly enrollment and plan contract identifier variables to identify enrollment.
  • Variables used to link the MBSF and to the plan characteristics file; and 
  • Variables characterizing plans (e.g. plan type, special needs plans indicators, supplemental benefits, etc.) from the plan characteristics file.

Encounter Data Source and Processing

Date Recorded

This video is one segment in a series of videos from ResDAC’s Introduction to the Use of the Medicare Encounter Data for Research.

This presentation describes where to find information on encounter data submission, which plans are required to submit and required submission data elements. Key differences between encounters and claims for payment are described. Chart review records, a unique feature of encounter data, are also introduced.

Overview of the History and Structure of Medicare Advantage and Comparison of FFS and MA Enrollees

Date Recorded

This video is one segment in a series of videos from ResDAC’s Introduction to the Use of the Medicare Encounter Data for Research.

This presentation overviews the history of the Medicare and Medicare Advantage program, policy developments which influence the data over time, and a description of the beneficiaries enrolled in each program.

Project Design and Data Request Process

Date Recorded

This video is one segment in a series of videos from ResDAC’s Introduction to the Use of the Medicaid and CHIP TAF (T-MSIS Analytic File) Data for Research.

Topics include:

  • Considerations before submitting a request for TAF RIF (T-MSIS Analytic File, Research Identifiable Files)
  • Cohort selection options and considerations
  • RIF request process and timeline

Application to Research Studies

Date Recorded

This video is one segment in a series of videos from ResDAC’s Introduction to the Use of the Medicaid and CHIP TAF (T-MSIS Analytic File) Data for Research.

This presentation contains a discussion of Dr. Shippee’s work using Medicaid data with an emphasis on approaches to Medicaid data challenges.