Standard Analytical Files (Medicare Claims) - LDS

Standard Analytical Files (Medicare Claims) - LDS

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 DictionariesVersionFormat
Carrier Data Dictionary (ZIP)KExcel
Durable Medical Equipment Data Dictionary (ZIP)KExcel
Home Health Data Dictionary (ZIP)KExcel
Hospice Data Dictionary (ZIP)KExcel
Inpatient Data Dictionary (ZIP)KExcel
Outpatient Data Dictionary (ZIP)KExcel
Skilled Nursing Facility Data Dictionary (ZIP)KExcel
Data Dictionaries 2012 - 2015VersionFormat
Durable Medical Equipment Data Dictionary (PDF)JPDF
Home Health Data Dictionary (PDF)JPDF
Hospice Data Dictionary (PDF)JPDF
Inpatient Data Dictionary (PDF)JPDF
Outpatient Data Dictionary (PDF)JPDF
Physician Supplier Part B Data Dictionary (PDF)JPDF
Skilled Nursing Facility Data Dictionary (PDF)JPDF
Historical Data DictionariesVersionFormat
Durable Medical Equipment Data Dictionary (PDF)Pre-2011PDF
Home Health Data Dictionary (PDF)Pre-2011PDF
Hospice Data Dictionary (PDF)Pre-2011PDF
Inpatient Data Dictionary (PDF)Pre-2011PDF
Outpatient Data Dictionary (PDF)Pre-2011PDF
Physician Supplier Part B Data Dictionary (PDF)Pre-2011PDF
Skilled Nursing Facility Data Dictionary (PDF)Pre-2011PDF
Page Last Modified:
05/02/2025 04:18 PM