What are Research Identifiable Files (RIFs)?
Research Identifiable Files (RIFs) contain person-specific data on Medicare providers, beneficiaries, and recipients including individual identifiers such as UPIN (Universal Physician ID Number), name, or social security number, or other elements that would permit the identity of a beneficiary or physician to be deduced (e.g., date of birth, age, race,sex, residence, ZIP code). Data with beneficiary or physician identifiers are subject to the Privacy Act and other Federal government rules and regulations. As such, the information is confidential and is to be used only for reasons compatible with the purpose(s) for which the data are collected. CMS(previously HCFA) employs strict security measures to safeguard individual privacy. CMS data release policies seek to ensure that files containing physician and/or beneficiary identifiers are used only when necessary and in accordance with disclosure provisions of the Privacy Act. Researchers need to submit a written request, study plan or pro
