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MLN901347 — October 2023

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How to Use the Medicare Coverage Database

Downloads

You can download local and national coverage document data sets. Each download zip package contains a Read Me file, a data set, and an associated Data Dictionary. Older versions of LCDs and Articles may exist but aren’t included in the MCD and Downloads; see the MCD Archive button in the top navigation bar.

Finding the MCD Downloads Page
Figure 59: Finding the MCD Downloads Page
You can find the MCD Downloads page by selecting the Downloads link in the navigation bar. It hosts local and national coverage document data sets available for download.

Using this feature, you can download local and national coverage document data sets. Each zip package contains a Read Me file, the data set, and a data dictionary.

The data dictionaries in the download files explain the content and use of each database.

Using the Downloads Tab

To access the Downloads feature, click Downloads in the top navigation bar. Accept the ADA/AMA/NUBC license agreements to proceed.

The List of Downloads
Figure 60: The List of Downloads
You can download data sets for Current LCDs, Current and Retired LCDs, Current Articles, Current and Retired Articles, and NCDs. Each data set includes labels for Data as of and Released date indicators.

You can download the following data sets:

  • Current LCDs
  • Current and Retired LCDs
  • Current Articles
  • Current and Retired Articles
  • NCDs

Select the data you would like to download and click either Download Data Dictionary or Download Data.

Data sets appear in a zipped format.

Note that most providers won’t use the download feature. Each download includes the data in a Microsoft Access (.mdb) file, as well as a comma separated value (.csv) file, so they may be imported into a user’s database management program.

Helpful Hint

Remember, we update Local Coverage Documents weekly and National Coverage Documents in real time on the MCD. Information in the Downloads section may quickly become outdated.

MCD Downloads Information

Data Dictionary

Each data download includes a data dictionary that explains the content and structure of the database.

Attachments

LCDs, Articles, and NCDs may include supporting attachment documents, which aren’t included in the downloads. Attachments are only available from the Document view page of a Document on the MCD.

Retired LCDs and Articles

The downloads for LCDs and Articles offer a Retired documents option, for document versions that have been retired for less than a year. Retired LCDs and Articles move to the MCD Archive 1 year after their retirement dates.

Historical Versions

A document may have many published versions over time. The MCD Downloads only include the most recent version of each document. However, the most recent version includes the complete Revision History entries.