Master Data Management

The Master Data Management (MDM) system is a CMS enterprise shared service application with a focus on eliminating redundancy, inconsistency and fragmentation of CMS data and increasing efficiencies. MDM performs the function of Identity (ID) Resolution:.

• ID Resolution is the process of identifying and merging records from different data sources to create and maintain a single trustworthy view of a person, organization, or entity.
• MDM’s ID Resolution relies on probabilistic algorithms to match and link records to deliver an accurate and complete view of the same entities that organizations can trust.
• MDM’s ID Resolution helps CMS to quickly perform analyses on unified critical data improving decision-making and customer experiences; thus, delivering value from ID-resolved data products.

Master Data Management and Identity Resolution

Master data management (MDM) harnesses the use of identity re solution to link sets of records to a unique entity even in the presence of inconsistent or ambiguous identifying attribute values

• Records are matched by comparing the degree of similarity
• Matched records above a threshold similarity score are presumed to represent the same entity
• Linked entities are assigned a unique “enterprise identifier” (EID)

Records can be linked:

• Within a Data Source (e.g., Duplicate records for the same provider in PECOS)
• Across Data Sources (e.g., Determine that a PECOS provider is the same as an NPPES provider)
• Across Programs (e.g., Determine that a Medicare provider is the same as a Medicaid provider)
• Across States (e.g., Determine that a Virginia provider is the same as a Maryland provider)

This enables MDM to:

• Create an index containing same-source and cross-source linkages
• Leverage an EID that is persisted in produced master indexes (e.g., the PMI/SPP data products)
• Provide access to ID-re solved data from one location via Cloud services, APIs, and BI reporting

MDM is scheduled to be retired in February 2027. Support of this data management functionality is migrating to the CMMI Analysis and Management System (AMS), Integrated Data Repository (IDR) Cloud, IDR Enterprise Data Product (EDP), and CMCS DataConnect. ID Resolution will be performed as needed within these systems, as well as by the Center for Clinical Standards & Quality (CCSQ) and the Center for Program Integrity (CPI).

For more information about MDM services, contact Office of Information Technology (OIT) / Enterprise Architecture Data Group (EADG) / Division of Data Enterprise Services (DDES) at MDMTeam@cms.hhs.gov.