SEER-MHOS: Variables Restricted from Routine Release
Restricted Variables
For reasons of confidentiality, selected variables are not routinely released
on the SEER-MHOS files. These variables include the patient's Census tract and
ZIP code reported by SEER at time of first cancer diagnosis, as well as the ZIP
code at time of the MHOS survey. Selected Census data from 2000 for each ZIP
code and Census tract have been included on the file (see documentation). These
variables have been slightly altered to prevent matching back to the Census data
and identifying the actual Census tract or ZIP Code.
To prevent identification of health plans and beneficiaries participating in
the MHOS, the original values of certain variables in the SEER-MHOS Survey Level
Analysis File have been replaced. The actual values for plan id (PLANID) and
plan contract numbers (CNTRNM and P_CNTRNM) have been replaced with unique plan
and contract identifiers. The Medicare Health Insurance Claim (HIC) Number has
been removed and replaced with a unique beneficiary identifier. The new field,
labeled "unique HIC number", is the variable LINKID.
Exceptions
If investigators determine that restricted variables are an essential part of
their analysis, they must submit their completed application form to the SEER-MHOS
contact with a detailed justification for access to the restricted
variable(s). A completed and signed request form and
a list of people who will have access to these data must be included with the
request. In some instances, special approval by the SEER registries may be required. The investigator
will be informed of the necessity for SEER registry approval if applicable.
Note: In order to combine multiple requests when purchasing
data, the requests must have the same permissions for access to any
restricted variable.
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