Key points
- The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data Linkage Program links National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) Health Center Component data with Medicaid data.
- Medicaid data are provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Find data dictionaries and resources for using these linked data in public health research.
Overview
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) links data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) Health Center (HC) Component with Medicaid data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These CMS data are available from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS).
Linking NAMCS HC Component data with CMS T-MSIS data creates a new resource to support research about the connection between government insurance programs and health outcomes.
Restricted-use
Due to confidentiality requirements, the restricted-use linked NAMCS HC Component-CMS Medicaid data are accessible only through the NCHS Research Data Center (RDC) network for approved research projects. Researchers must submit a research proposal to the RDC.
Data dictionaries
- Match Status (09/30/2025)
- Demographic and Eligibility (09/30/2025)
- Inpatient (09/30/2025)
- Long-term Care (09/30/2025)
- Pharmacy (09/30/2025)
- Other Services (09/30/2025)
Resources
- Chronic Conditions Warehouse (CCW) T-MSIS Analytic Files Data Dictionaries
- CCW T-MSIS Analytic Files (TAF) User Guide
- TAF Technical Documentation: Annual Demographic and Eligibility File
- TAF Technical Documentation: Claims Files
- T-MSIS Analytic Files Data Quality Atlas (CMS)
- Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC) at the University of Minnesota