Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey: Part D Utilization Information

Purpose

Researchers who are interested in studying Part D utilization within the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) can do so by using the MCBS Cost and Use for years 2006 through 2013. This article provides an overview of where Part D utilization information located within the MCBS during these years, as well as the list of PDE variables included with the file.

Current Version Date:
06/02/2017
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Beginning with the 2006 file, the MCBS will contain Part D utilization information. However, unlike the Part A and B claims included with the MCBS, there is not a separate file for the Part D events (PDEs). Part D administrative information for events covered by the Part D program has been appended to the Prescribed Medicine Event (PME) file within the MCBS. The PME file (called RIC PME) is only contained in the Cost and Use module and not the Access to Care module. RIC PME will contain both prescribed medicine events that were reported by MCBS survey participants as well as Part D events that are found in the Part D administrative records. Events that are self-reported or found in the Part D administrative data will appear in the RIC PME file. If the self-reported or Part D even match, then they will appear as a single record. The Part D administrative information contained in the MCBS does not include all of the PDE variables available in the Research Identifiable (RIF) version of the PDE data. Below is a list of the PDE variables that are included in RIC PME.

  • First Databank brand name
  • First Databank generic name
  • First Databank strength
  • First Databank Route
  • Service Date
  • NDC Code
  • Quantity
  • Days Supplied
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Article Information

Author:
Molly Emerick, MPH
Level:
Introduction
Topic:
Data Files or Variables
Program:
Medicare
Category:
Linked, Survey
Disclaimer:
The process and materials mentioned as part of this KnowledgeBase article are current, as of the publication date on the article, to the best of our knowledge. The examples provided are correct in the aggregate but may not apply to every subgroup or circumstance that a researcher may wish to study. It is up to the researcher to conduct analysis and confirm that the patterns described in this KnowledgeBase article apply to his/her particular study. If your research findings appear to contradict the advice provided, please contact ResDAC at resdac@umn.edu.