Medicare and Medicaid Claims Documentation (VRDC Tool)
A secure virtual research environment, the CCW Virtual Research Data Center (VRDC) provides researchers with timely, efficient, cost-effective access to CMS Medicare and Medicaid data. Within the VRDC, users can:
- Access approved data files and perform data manipulation within a secure CMS environment
- Upload external data to their workspace and analyze it alongside approved CMS datasets
- Download aggregated reports and results to their personal workstation—following privacy rules and output review processes
Researchers must meet specific requirements, including U.S. residency, connection from a U.S.-registered IP address, and compatible computing setup. The VRDC also ensures compliance with all CMS privacy and security standards.
- Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) Coding Tool: Identifies RUCA codes by zip code, with an API for batch processing. Follows HHS standards and supports NIH initiatives focused on access to care.
- Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) Calculator: Standardizes opioid dosage measurement for cross-study comparisons. Available via the HEAL Initiative’s REDCap tool and as a standalone website.
- REDCapAPI Tool: Enables de-identified data sharing while allowing institutions to retain control. Includes data quality checks and a REDCap-integrated dashboard.
- OMOP Common Data Model (CDM) Mapping Tool: Uses AI and large language models to assist with mapping to the OMOP CDM. Version 2.0 is in development.