Encounter Data Structure

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:

•  Key variables for each file to link within and between the MA Encounter files;
•  How to link the encounter data to other files, such as the Master Beneficiary Summary File (MBSF) and Plan Characteristics Files;
• How the encounter files compare to fee-for-service (FFS) claims files; and
• Identification and considerations for duplicate encounters and chart review records.