Introduction

What are the NHANES-CMS linked data files?

NCHS has developed a record linkage program designed to maximize the scientific value of the Center's population-based surveys. NCHS is currently linking various NCHS surveys with claims records collected from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Linkage of the NCHS survey participants with the CMS data provides the opportunity to study changes in health status, health care utilization and expenditures in the elderly, disabled, and other U.S. populations.

Why was this tutorial created?

NCHS developed this web-based tutorial to meet the growing demands of NHANES data users and to promote broader and more proficient use of NHANES and CMS linked data.

What does the tutorial provide?

This tutorial walks you through the steps for conducting an analytic project using the continuous NHANES-CMS linked data, with examples of common analytic applications and procedures. Relevant background information, tips and explanations for SAS and SUDAAN programs, downloadable sample program code, and analytic guidance, are organized and integrated into modules and tasks to facilitate this learning process. 

What's the best way to use the tutorial?

Your own background and learning style will dictate how you can best use this tutorial.  If you are familiar with NHANES and CMS data, you can either start from the beginning of the NHANES-CMS Linked Data Web Tutorial and complete the entire tutorial in a linear fashion, or select topics of interest presented in different modules.

If you are not familiar with NHANES data, we suggest you visit the NHANES Web Tutorial page and complete the NHANES-CMS Linked Data Tutorial in sequential fashion, starting with Module 1.  To start the tutorial at the beginning, select the link from the navigation bar on the left. Then, select each successive module from the navigation.

Who is the audience?

We expect users of this tutorial to come from a broad range of perspectives and disciplines and to have different levels of experience with NHANES, CMS and linked data; and varied degrees of skill in statistics and software packages (e.g. SAS, SUDAAN).