Introduction

This video describes CMS' definition of research and explains how to describe a study in the form of a research question because that is a requirement for data release.

This video provides a description of Minimum Dataset 3 (MDS) and Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS). The content details the purpose and uses of each data source, provides a detailed description of new sections added in MDS 3.0, and discusses examples from practice.

This presentation provides background information about the cost reports that will help researchers understand the cost report data.  This presentation includes a description of how cost reports are processed and how that impacts the data. This presentation also describes common issues researchers face when using the cost reports and options for dealing with those issues.

This presentation describes where to find the Medicare cost report downloads, what is contained within each data file, and the definitions used to create the download. This presentation includes a description of the resource documents that are essential in order to start using the data.

The Medicare cost reports can be downloaded from the CMS website.  CMS provides several documents to aid with the use of the cost reports. This presentation describes each resource and explains how to use each.  Also, it provides links to other important resource documents that will help researchers understand and use the Medicare cost reports.

This presentation provides an overview of what Medicare cost reports are, the type of facilities that submit cost reports, and the type of research that can be conducted with Medicare cost reports.

This presentation reviews the importance of understanding the factors contributing to geographic variation in Medicare spending.

Specifically, objectives include:

• Reviewing how Medicare adjusts reimbursement levels by geographic region, teaching affiliations, etc.
• Understanding the importance of readjusting cost estimates so that high costs represent differences in intensity of services rather than differences in Medicare reimbursement levels and/or health status

Understanding of the CMS payment systems will assist the researcher in knowing how services are reiumbursed and what to expect in the data when costing services. This presentation will provide a historical review of CMS payment systems for all the claims data files, discuss details of calculating acute hospital MS-DRG payments, and review resources for determining 'cost' of services.