SPECIAL PROGRAMS DATA

INTRODUCTION

The Special Programs Data chapter discusses the following:

• The Renal Beneficiary and Utilization System (REBUS)/Program Management and Medical Information System (PMMIS) Database for the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Program
• The Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) Files

This database and these files contain unique data for a particular group of Medicare beneficiaries or providers that cannot easily be obtained from other sources.

The REBUS/PMMIS Database contains demographic, medical, payment, and entitlement data on Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD; certification and other information for Medicare approved ESRD providers; and aggregate ESRD patient population information. It has been maintained since 1977.

The MCBS Files contain demographic, health insurance, health status, service utilization, expenditure, and payment source data for a representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries. The survey began in 1991 and is expected to continue indefinitely.