Yes, but the merging will be done by AHRQ staff or their contractors prior to your arrival. Simple merges, such as linking a few variables from the area resource file, are included in the user fee. More complex merges will require additional cost. After the files are merged and quality control checks you specify are completed, the linkage variables are removed or encrypted. You must provide complete documentation for the data you wish to bring into the Data Center. Also, if you wish to merge characteristics of areas (counties for example) with the MEPS data, you must supply the characteristics for all areas of the United States.
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