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Limited Data Sets and De-identified Data Sets

Caption
Data Element De-identified Data Set Limited Data Set
Names Remove/Code Code or Remove
  • Address, city and other geographic information smaller than state. 
  • Three-digit zip code may be included in a de-identified data set for an area where more than 20,000 people live
    • Use “000” if fewer than 20,000 people live there. 
    • Approx. 20: three-digit zips can not be used
Remove Can retain city, town, state or full zip code.

  • All elements of dates (except year)
  • plus age and any date (including year) if age is over 89

Examples:

  • date of birth
  • date of death
  • date of admission
  • date of discharge
  • date of service
Remove/Code True dates remain. If using DOB, recommend using only year.
  • Telephone
  • fax numbers
  • email addresses
  • URL addresses
  • IP addresses
Remove Remove
  • Social security number
  • medical record number
  • health plan beneficiary number
  • any account number, certificate or license number
Remove MRN, Health plan number may be coded. Remove all other elements.
  • Vehicle identifiers and serial numbers, including license plate numbers
  • Device identifiers and serial numbers
  • biometric identifiers
  • indefinable photography
Remove Remove
Any other unique identifying number, characteristic or code. Remove May include