CMS makes two types of data products available to researchers as allowed by federal laws, regulations, and CMS policy: limited data set (LDS) files and research identifiable files (RIFs). Consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, CMS defines “research” as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.
LDS file and RIF disclosures require a data use agreement (DUA) with CMS and a research study application. In addition, researchers must pay a fee to cover the cost of making the data available.
Limited Data Set Files
LDS files contain protected health information and are considered identifiable data files, but they do not contain specific direct identifiers as defined in the HIPAA Privacy Rule. CMS has developed a number of LDS files that researchers may request.
- To review a list of available LDS files and their associated fees, see the LDS Files page.
- To get started on submitting a request for LDS files, see the LDS DUA page.
- LDS file request processing generally takes 2-3 weeks.
- Researchers access approved LDS files via secure download, or shipment of encrypted media.
Research Identifiable Files
RIFs are identifiable data files produced by CMS that contain protected health information and/or personally identifiable information. CMS exclusively discloses RIFs for research purposes in compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
CMS has established the Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC) to facilitate all RIF requests and support the use of CMS data by researchers. ResDAC provides advice to researchers through the RIF request process. The ResDAC website provides additional resources, up-to-date information about forms required for requesting RIF data, timelines, and frequently asked questions.
- To review a list of available RIFs, see the RIF Availability page on the ResDAC website.
- To review the applicable fees for requesting RIFs, see the RIF Fee Information page on the ResDAC website.
- To get started on submitting a request for RIFs, see the RIF Requests page on the ResDAC website.
- RIF request processing generally takes 3-5 months.
- Researchers generally access RIFs via the Chronic Conditions Warehouse Virtual Research Data Center (CCW VRDC); however, select researchers have other access options. For more information contact ResDAC.