Organizations
SEER-Medicare Information
The SEER-Medicare information provided was taken from the SEER-Medicare website presented by the National Cancer Institute.
The SEER-Medicare data reflect the linkage of two large population-based sources of data that provide detailed information about elderly persons with cancer. The data come from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of cancer registries that collect clinical, demographic and cause of death information for persons with cancer and the Medicare claims for covered health care services from the time of a person's Medicare eligibility until death.
The linkage of these two data sources results in a unique population-based source of information that can be used for an array of epidemiological and health services research. For example, investigators using this combined dataset have conducted studies on patterns of care for persons with cancer before a cancer diagnosis, over the period of initial diagnosis and treatment, and during long-term follow-up. Investigators have also examined the use of cancer tests and procedures and the costs of cancer treatment.
The linked SEER-Medicare data files are large and complex. Before beginning an analysis, researchers are advised to read all documentation to determine whether the data will support their proposed research question. In addition, the SEER-Medicare data have a number of particular qualities and anomalies (see Analytic Support for Researchers). Researchers are strongly encouraged to understand the complexity of the data before undertaking any analyses or publishing findings.
SEER-Medicare Overview of the Data Files
The current SEER-Medicare linkage, completed in December 2002, includes all Medicare eligible persons appearing in the SEER data through 1999 and their Medicare claims through 2001. There are a large number of people and records per person in the SEER-Medicare data. Given the vast amount of data, the term SEER-Medicare data actually refers to a series of files. One file includes SEER data. The remaining files are the Medicare files for specific types of service, e.g. hospital, physician, outpatient, etc.
There are two cohorts of people included in the SEER-Medicare data-- persons with cancer and a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries who do not have cancer. The "non-cancer" group is drawn from a random 5 percent sample of Medicare beneficiaries residing in the SEER areas. Persons in the 5 percent sample who also appear in the SEER data are removed, leaving a sample of non-cancer cases. Medicare claims are available for the non-cancer cases in the same format as for the cancer cases. Information from the non-cancer group can be used for comparative purposes, such as the cost of care or the use of specific tests or procedures among a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries who do not have cancer. Data for the non-cancer cases can also be used with the data for the cancer cases to conduct population-based analyses of testing, treatment, and costs within the SEER areas.
For the cancer cases, investigators may link individual patients across files using the unique SEER case ID number. The SEER case ID number consists of an 8-digit case number and a 2-digit registry ID which when combined, uniquely identify each individual in the data. For persons in the non-cancer group, investigators may link their files using an encrypted Health Insurance Claim number that is unique to each individual.
Useful SEER-Medicare Links
- How the SEER & Medicare Data are Linked
- Instructions & Data Use Agreements
- Obtaining the SEER-Medicare Data
- Publications Using SEER-Medicare Data
For further information on the SEER-Medicare Linked Database, contact:
Elaine Yanisko
Information Management Services, Inc.
12501 Prosperity Drive
Suite 200
Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-680-9770 (voice)
301-680-8304 (fax)
Email: yaniskoe@imsweb.com
101 S. Newell Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone: 352.273.6268 Fax: 352.273.6270
Please refer questions and comments regarding the website to: webmaster@cop.ufl.edu