Dobson|DaVanzo

Data Expertise

Data Expertise
We believe the key to truly understanding our clients' issues and subsequently identifying solutions is being able to access the "right" data. Dobson | DaVanzo has extensive expertise in applying multiple analytical methods to both qualitative and quantitative data. We have longstanding experience in working with publicly available and proprietary claims, as well as financial datasets. We are also experts in extracting information from our clients' medical and financial records in order to better inform our analyses. We often build analytic datasets where none currently exist by combining data from multiple sources. We also use extensive and complex data in our litigation and support activities.

Public Datasets
Dobson | DaVanzo has extensive experience using specialized data, emphasizing the analytical power of CMS claims data. We regularly use both public use files and restricted access data containing individual beneficiary and provider information. We believe that we are especially knowledgeable in obtaining data use agreements (DUAs) with CMS for identifiable data.

In addition to our knowledge of the individual variables contained within these datasets, our expertise includes understanding CMS's intent concerning dataset availability, restrictions that CMS applies to use of the data, and the application protocol that is followed to request access to these data. Our Medicare Fee-for-Service claims data (which contain 100% of physician claims) are updated on a monthly basis and allow near real-time evaluations of ongoing trends and changes in healthcare utilization, which is particularly important during periods of rapid changes. In addition to our Medicare Fee-for-Service claims data, we have access to the latest 100% of Medicare Advantage Encounter and Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) Analytic Files (TAF).

We share CMS's concern that the integrity of datasets is not to be compromised. To that end, data security and compliance are key aspects of all our data work.

Key Research Identifiable File (RIF) datasets which we incorporate into our analyses include the following:

  1. Medicare Fee for Service Claims (Received Monthly)
  2. Medicare Advantage Encounter
  3. Medicaid T-MSIS Analytic Files (TAFs)
  4. Part D Events (Received Monthly) and Formulary, Pharmacy, Prescriber, and Drug Characteristics
  5. Beneficiary Enrollment and Demographics
  6. Shared Savings Program (SSP) Accountable Care Organization (ACO) – Beneficiary and Provider Files
  7. Post-Acute Care Assessments: Long Term Care Minimum Data Set (LTC MDS), Home Health Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI)

Dobson | DaVanzo also utilizes Standard Analytical Files (SAFs), including the following datasets:

  1. Durable Medical Equipment (5%)
  2. Home Health Agency (5% and 100%)
  3. Hospice (5% and 100%)
  4. Inpatient (5% and 100%)
  5. Outpatient (5% and 100%)
  6. Physician/Supplier Part B (5%)
  7. Skilled Nursing Facility (5% and 100%)

Other datasets with which we have experience include the following:

  1. Medicare Cost Report Files 
  2. Medicare Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Datasets
  3. Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) 
  4. SSP ACO Public Use Files (PUFs)
  5. CMS Care Compare Files
  6. Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) 
  7. Part B National Summary Data File (Formerly BESS)
  8. Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) 
  9. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
  10. Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements (SPADEs)
  11. American Community Survey (ACS)
  12. County Health Rankings

Proprietary Data
Often, our clients already possess data that can inform our analyses, but need our help in understanding the value of the data or in isolating the particular elements that can best answer their questions. We work with clients to make optimal use of their existing data.

Data Collection
In addition to our understanding of public and proprietary data, our expertise in data collection is extensive. We have designed numerous survey instruments and interview protocols - from small qualitative interviews to quantitative surveys administered nationwide. We have personally conducted surveys and overseen the efforts of subcontractors collecting data via mail, telephone, and the web.

 

For questions about our data access and capabilities, please contact: info@dobsondavanzo.com.