---
title: File Overview
slug: medhistory-populations-file/guide/file-overview
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-06-10T15:14:54.047Z
---

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note: **Refer to the [Panel History Flat File Examples](docId\:EDuzSy_xLDIYGAiXrSHYt) section of this guide to view its code structure.
:::

## HDR (Header)

Surescripts uses an overall file header for each file, and every file contains a set of DTL (Detail) Records.

For details, refer to [Record Header Elements](docId\:H431PeSMxPnBwXC4iiohM).

## DTL (Detail)

The DTL record returns both the claim information for outpatient prescriptions where the pharmacy benefit was used, and the dispensed retail medication data (including cash and coupon pay) from the PBM/payers and pharmacies connected to Surescripts.

Up to 600 medications are returned within the dates requested within the last 12 months.

Surescripts uses message header for all messages. For Panel, a message header is included in each patient’s DTL Record.

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note: **Each MessageID can only contain the data for 300 medications, therefore, a second MessageID will be generated for the remaining medications when applicable.
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### Data Deduplication and Augmentation Information

Data deduplication and augmentation are optional features and require no configuration or certification by the provider vendor. The customer may opt-in to one or both features.

- **Data deduplication**: Surescripts removes duplicate medication history dispense data across data sources. A duplicate medication record is defined as the same medication for the same patient, written by the same provider, dispensed on the same day at the same pharmacy.
- **Data augmentation**: Surescripts adds data to missing fields from data suppliers. For example, by adding address or phone in the Pharmacy or Prescriber segment.

:::hint{type="info"}
<font color="#002a3b">Notes:</font>

- Surescripts offers two options for deduplication and augmentation: Basic and Premium. For more information, contact your account manager.
- Surescripts will never over-write or replace existing data from data suppliers.
- Logic used to identify duplicates and data fields augmented is subject to change. Please work with a Surescripts Account Manager or Integration resource for more information.
:::

For details refer to [Record Detail Elements](docId\:H431PeSMxPnBwXC4iiohM).

## TRL (Trailer)

Surescripts uses an overall file trailer for each file, which provides detailed summary information.

For details refer to [Record Trailer Elements](docId\:H431PeSMxPnBwXC4iiohM).

## File Naming and Formats

The Flat File naming convention is: \<PatientPopulationIdentifier from the Panel Management Load Delimited File>\<Surescripts’ assigned ID>\_\<yyyyMMddHHmmss>.gz

Example Flat File name:

**ACO132PatientPopulationA12345\_20141204012025.gz**