The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to change the way that data is made available to researchers and seeks feedback from stakeholders who may be affected. Currently, CMS offers researchers two options for accessing CMS data: 1) have physical Research Identifiable File (RIF) data shipped to their institution, and 2) a secure online resource called the Chronic Conditions Warehouse Virtual Research Data Center (CCW VRDC). Because of growing concerns about data security, CMS will no longer ship physical data for new research. Beginning on August 19 of this year, researchers will be required to use the CCW VRDC. CMS will accept feedback on these plans via email at VRDCRFI@cms.hhs.gov until March 29.
