Provider Almanac consists of data sources collected from various locations. The processing of each data source takes a lot of time and resources. A significant value in Provider Almanac is the conversion of the file to an SQL table.

POS Data Source

The POS data source are the public use files from CMS. The file can be purchased directly from CMS. Delivery normally takes 4 to 6 weeks. The file has to be converted to an SQL database and there are normaly record layout  changes each year.

A POS Conversion Status Report  is prepared after each processing. During the processing, a Control Report is prepared to show the total records by each provider type. Another Control ReportControl Report is prepared to show the status changes for providers. This reports shows the number of new providers, terminated providers and ownership changes.

Cost Report Data Source

The Cost Report data source is the public use files from CMS.  The files are by year and each type of provider;  Hospital, SNF, HHA, Renal and Hospice.  The files can be purchased directly from CMS or are generally available for download from the internet.  A description of the processing is documentated in the CR Conversion Status Report.  A group of control reports are prepared for each type of provider by year.  The CR Hospital Status reports for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. These status reports show the filing status of cost reports for each Hospital in the POS data source.