BCDA Data

Beneficiary Claims Data API (BCDA) uses Bulk Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) to share claims data.

Data Dictionaries

The Data Dictionary maps the different data fields and locations between BCDA and Claim and Claim Line Feed (CCLF) files. Explore all the differences between the data sources.

Download the BCDA Data Dictionary to learn about claim field names and descriptions, new data field locations, and data types and format.

Partially adjudicated claims data

BCDA provides access to claims that aren’t fully processed or approved (adjudicated) yet. This reduces the time to access Parts A and B claims data to 2-4 days after submission. Fully adjudicated claims are available weekly.

Partially Adjudicated Claims Data

Sample files

Download sample data files, which share similar content and structure to production data. Try the sandbox environment to access test data from the API.

v3 Sample Data

v2 Sample Data

ExplanationOfBenefit.ndjson
Patient.ndjson
Coverage.ndjson
Claim.ndjson (partially adjudicated claims data)
ClaimResponse.ndjson (partially adjudicated claims data)

Data overview

Beneficiary Claims Data API (BCDA) updates partially adjudicated claims data daily and adjudicated claims data weekly. Data includes:

Definitions of Part A, B, and D claims data
Data type	Definition
Medicare Part A claims data	Inpatient hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care
Medicare Part B claims data	Doctors' services, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment (DME)
Medicare Part D claims data	Prescription drugs prescribed by healthcare providers

Resource types

Claims data is organized by resource types, which are requested at the /Patient and /Group endpoints. Resource types changed between versions; see the v3 migration guide for details.

Confidentiality and medical data sharing

In accordance with applicable law, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, substance use disorder records are confidential. BCDA also does not share data on enrollees who have opted out of data sharing.

ExplanationOfBenefit (EOB): Similar to CCLF files 1-7, ExplanationOfBenefit stores details for episodes of care, including where and when the service was performed, diagnosis codes, provider, and cost of care. Updated weekly.
Patient: Similar to CCLF files 8 and 9, Patient stores enrollees' demographic details and updates to their patient identifiers. Updated weekly.
Coverage: Coverage stores enrollees' insurance coverage details, including dual coverage. Updated weekly.
Claim (v2 only): Available for partially adjudicated claims only, Claim stores financial and clinical details on professional and institutional claims. This is typically used for treatment payment planning and reimbursement. Updated daily.
ClaimResponse (v2 only): Available for partially adjudicated claims only, ClaimResponse stores details about the adjudication status and processing results for a claim, predetermination, or preauthorization. Updated daily.