Standard Analytical Files (Medicare Claims) - LDS
Guidance for updates made to the LDS Medicare claims file layout in order to include new variables and to allow researchers to request data on a quarterly basis.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: December 11, 2019
Alert April 2025: Beneficiary sex information is no longer available in the Standard Analytical Files. Researchers conducting analyses that require beneficiary sex data should request the Master Beneficiary Summary File (MBSF). The MBSF serves as the authoritative source of beneficiary sex information
Alert September 8, 2017: All LDS Medicare claims file layouts have been updated to include new variables. Please see the revised data dictionaries below.
Alert May 5, 2016: CMS is pleased to announce that all researchers will be allowed to request LDS claims data on a quarterly basis. Historically, researchers have only been able to request annual extracts of Medicare claims data under the LDS request process. Researchers now have the option of requesting LDS claims on an annual or quarterly basis making it easier to do the important research that will lay the foundation for better quality and lower costs in the health care system.
LDS Standard Analytic Files (SAFs), also known as Medicare claims files, are available for each claim type (Inpatient, Outpatient, Skilled Nursing Facility, Home Health Agency, Hospice, Carrier and Durable Medical Equipment).
For file cost and availability, please see the LDS Worksheet (ZIP).
Please follow the instructions on the DUA - Limited Data Sets page.
See below for the Data Dictionaries:
| Current Data Dictionaries | Version | Format |
| Carrier Data Dictionary (ZIP) | K | Excel |
| Durable Medical Equipment Data Dictionary (ZIP) | K | Excel |
| Home Health Data Dictionary (ZIP) | K | Excel |
| Hospice Data Dictionary (ZIP) | K | Excel |
| Inpatient Data Dictionary (ZIP) | K | Excel |
| Outpatient Data Dictionary (ZIP) | K | Excel |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Data Dictionary (ZIP) | K | Excel |
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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.