HCUP Frequently Asked Questions

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</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="122" bgcolor="#66cccc"> </td> <td width="100%" colspan="2"><ul id="Menu1" class="MM"> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/"><br/>Home</a> <ul> <li><a class="NOLINK">What is HCUP?</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/overview.jsp">Overview of HCUP</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/overviewcourse.jsp">On-line HCUP Overview Course</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/faq.jsp">Frequently Asked Questions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Products</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">HCUP Databases</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tools_software.jsp">HCUP Tools & Software</a></li> <li><a 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href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nisoverview.jsp">Overview of the NIS</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp?NIS">HCUP Partners in the NIS</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Obtaining the NIS</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement Training</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/team/NationwideDUA.jsp">Nationwide Data Use Agreement</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Using the NIS</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nisdbdocumentation.jsp">NIS Database Documentation </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nisrelatedreports.jsp">NIS Related Reports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">Publishing with HCUP Data</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/kidoverview.jsp">Overview of the KID</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp?KID">HCUP Partners in the KID</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Obtaining the KID</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement Training</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/team/NationwideDUA.jsp">Nationwide Data Use Agreement</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Using the KID</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/kid/kiddbdocumentation.jsp">KID Database Documentation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/kid/kidrelatedreports.jsp">KID Related Reports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">Publishing with HCUP Data</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS)</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nedsoverview.jsp">Overview of the NEDS</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp?NEDS">HCUP Partners in the NEDS</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Obtaining the NEDS</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement Training</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/team/NationwideDUA.jsp">Nationwide Data Use Agreement</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Using the NEDS</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/neds/nedsdbdocumentation.jsp">NEDS Database Documentation </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/neds/nedsrelatedreports.jsp">NEDS Related Reports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">Publishing with HCUP Data</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK"><strong>State-Specific HCUP Databases</strong></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sidoverview.jsp">Overview of the SID</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp?SID">HCUP Partners in the SID</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Obtaining the SID</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement Training</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/team/StateDUA.jsp">State Database Data Use Agreement</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Using the SID</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/siddbdocumentation.jsp">SID Database Documentation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sidrelatedreports.jsp">SID Related Reports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">Publishing with HCUP Data</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (SASD)</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sasdoverview.jsp">Overview of the SASD</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp?SASD">HCUP Partners in the SASD</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Obtaining the SASD</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement Training</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/team/StateDUA.jsp">State Database Data Use Agreement</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Using the SASD</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sasddbdocumentation.jsp">SASD Database Documentation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sasdrelatedreports.jsp">SASD Related Reports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">Publishing with HCUP Data</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD)</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/seddoverview.jsp">Overview of the SEDD</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp?SEDD">HCUP Partners in the SEDD</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Obtaining the SEDD</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement Training</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/team/StateDUA.jsp">SEDD Data Use Agreement</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Using the SEDD</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sedddbdocumentation.jsp">SEDD Database Documentation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/seddrelatedreports.jsp">SEDD Related Reports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">Publishing with HCUP Data</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tools_software.jsp">Tools &<br/>Software</a> <ul> <li><a class="NOLINK">Favorites</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPNet</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://qualityindicators.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">AHRQ Quality Indicators (QIs)</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/monahrq/monahrq.jsp">MONAHRQ</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Tools & Software</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/beta/icd_10_beta.jsp">ICD-10-CM/PCS Beta</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/ccs/ccs.jsp">Clinical Classifications Software (CCS) for ICD-9-CM</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/ccs_svcsproc/ccssvcproc.jsp">Clinical Classifications Software (CCS) for Services and Procedures</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/icd_10/ccs_icd_10.jsp">Clinical Classifications Software (CCS) for ICD-10</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/mhsa/mhsa.jsp">Clinical Classifications Software for Mental Health and Substance Abuse (CCS-MHSA)</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/chronic/chronic.jsp">Chronic Condition Indicator</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/comorbidity/comorbidity.jsp">Comorbidity Software</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/procedure/procedure.jsp">Procedure Classes</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/util_flags/utilflag.jsp">Utilization Flags</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Supplemental Files</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/costtocharge.jsp">Cost-to-Charge Ratio (CCR) Files</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/hms/hms.jsp">Hospital Market Structure (HMS) Files</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/revisit.jsp">HCUP Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/ahalinkage/aha_linkage.jsp">American Hospital Association (AHA) Linkage Files</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nisownership.jsp">NIS Hospital Ownership Files</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nistrends.jsp">Nationwide Inpatient Sample Trends (NIS-Trends) Files</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/kid/kidtrends.jsp">Kid’s Inpatient Database Trends (KID-Trends) File</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports.jsp"><br/>Reports</a> <ul> <li><a class="NOLINK"><strong>Favorites</strong></a></li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Statistical Briefs</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sbtopic.jsp">Topical list</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/statbriefs.jsp">Chronological list </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/infographics.jsp">HCUP Infographics</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/projections/projections_rpts.jsp">HCUP Projections</a></li> <li><a class="NOLINK"><strong>Information About Using HCUP Data</strong></a></li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Methods Series</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/methods_topic.jsp">Topical list</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/methods.jsp">Chronological list </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Nationwide Database Reports</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nisrelatedreports.jsp">NIS </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/kid/kidrelatedreports.jsp">KID </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/neds/nedsrelatedreports.jsp">NEDS</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP State Database Reports</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sidrelatedreports.jsp">SID</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sasdrelatedreports.jsp">SASD</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/seddrelatedreports.jsp">SEDD</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK"><strong>Additional Topics</strong></a></li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Topical Reports</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/r_e_disparities.jsp">Race/Ethnicity </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/mhsa.jsp">Mental and Substance Use Disorders </a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Publications</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/pubsearch/pubsearch.jsp">Publication search </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/spotlights.jsp">Research Spotlights </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/research/publications/">AHRQ Publications</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Archive</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports.jsp">Hospital Discharge Data report</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/highlights.jsp">HCUP Highlights </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/factbooks.jsp">HCUP Fact Books </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/natstats.jsp">HCUP National Statistics Archive </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/factsandfigures.jsp">HCUP Facts and Figures</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news.jsp">News &<br/>Events</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news.jsp"><em> HCUP e-News</em></a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/enews_archives.jsp"><em>HCUP e-News</em> Archives</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news.jsp">Announcements</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/announcements_archives.jsp">Announcements Archives</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news.jsp">Calendar</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/events.jsp">Events</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/db_products.jsp">Database and Product Releases</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/archives.jsp">Archives</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">Technical<br/>Assistance</a> <ul> <li><a class="NOLINK">Need Help?</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/faq.jsp">FAQs</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">HCUP Databases</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">HCUP Publishing Requirements</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/index_abc.jsp">HCUP Index</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">HCUP Training & Tutorials</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/overviewcourse.jsp">HCUP Overview Course</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">Data Use Agreement Training Tool</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/tutorials.jsp">HCUP On-line Tutorials</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Contact Information</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">Technical Support</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">Data Orders</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations.jsp">Data<br/>Innovations</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/grants.jsp">Enhanced State Data Grants</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lvtoolkit.jsp">Laboratory Data Toolkit</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lvback.jsp">Background</a></li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Tools</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lvpres.jsp">Initiation Tools</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lvplanning.jsp">Planning Tools</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lvcomm.jsp">Communication Tools</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lvtt.jsp">Training Tools</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lv2.jsp">Data Standards, Collection, and Transmission Tools</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/lvfeedback.jsp">Feedback and Reporting Tools</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/pilot.jsp">Pilot and Planning Projects</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/piprog.jsp">Projects in Progress</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/poatoolkit.jsp">Present on Admission Toolkit</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/poaback.jsp">Background</a></li> <li><a class="NOLINK">Tools</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/tktt.jsp">Training Tools</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/tkds.jsp">Data Standards and Transmission Tools</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/tkfeedback.jsp">Feedback and Reporting Tools</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/datainnovations/clinicaldata/pilot.jsp">Pilot and Planning Projects</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3"><a name="skip"></a></td></tr> </table> </div> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="4"> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="texttitle">HCUP Frequently Asked Questions</div> <div class="pagetext"> <p>This page provides answers to commonly asked questions about HCUP databases, software tools, supplemental files, and other products.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>For questions not listed here</strong>, contact <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">HCUP User Support</a> at <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/mailto:HCUP@ahrq.gov?subject=QuestionnotfoundonHCUP-USFAQpage">HCUP@ahrq.gov</a>. Additional information regarding HCUP User Support is located in the <a href="#usersupport">About HCUP User Support</a> section below.</p> <p><strong>For questions concerning HCUP database purchases, applications, and submission of HCUP Data Use Agreements (DUAs)</strong>, contact the<a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp"> HCUP Central Distributor</a> at <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/mailto:HCUPDistributor@ahrq.gov">HCUPDistributor@ahrq.gov</a>. </p> <p><strong>For questions about using the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://qualityindicators.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">AHRQ Quality Indicators</a></strong>, contact <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/mailto:QIsupport@ahrq.hhs.gov" target="_blank">QIsupport@ahrq.hhs.gov</a>.</p> </blockquote> </div> <br/> <table width="100%" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td colspan="2"><div class="texttitle">Contents</div></td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> <tr> <td class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><a href="#general">General HCUP Questions</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#tutorials">Online Tutorials</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#obtaining">Obtaining HCUP Data</a></li> <a name="topreports"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#stats">Aggregate Statistics from HCUPnet</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#purchase">HCUP Databases for Purchase</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#nation">Nationwide Databases</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <ul> <li><a href="#nis">Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#kid">Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#neds">Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> </ul> <li><a href="#state">State Databases</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <ul> <li><a href="#sid">State Inpatient Database (SID)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#sasd">State Ambulatory Surgery Database (SASD)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#sedd">State Emergency Department Database (SEDD)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> </ul> </ul> </div> </td> <td valign="top" class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><a href="#tools">Software Products and Tools</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <ul> <li><a href="#ccs">Clinical Classification Software (CCS)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#ccr">Cost-to-Charge Ratio (CCR) Files</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#supp">Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#cci">Chronic Conditions Indicator (CCI)</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#comorbidity">Comorbidity Software</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#procedure">Procedure Classes</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#flags">Utilization Flags</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> </ul> <li><a href="#pubs">HCUP Reports and Publications</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#tips">Tech Tips from the HCUP <em>eNews</em> Q&A Section</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/><br/> <li><a href="#usersupport">About HCUP User Support</a></li> <a name="topgeneral"></a><br/> </ul> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </td></tr> <tr><td colspan="5"><hr width="75%" align="center" class="hrruleblack"></td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="general">General HCUP Questions</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is HCUP?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/">Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (called "H-CUP")</a> is a family of health care databases, software tools, and products developed through a Federal-State-Industry partnership and sponsored by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a>. HCUP databases bring together the data collection efforts of state data organizations, hospital associations, private data organizations, and the Federal government to create a national information resource of health care data. <br/><br/> HCUP includes the largest collection of longitudinal hospital care data in the United States, with all-payer, encounter-level information beginning in 1988. These databases enable research on a broad range of health policy topics, including cost and quality of health services, medical practice patterns, access to health care, and outcomes of treatments at the national, state, and local levels. <br/><br/> For additional information, please visit the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/overview.jsp">Overview of HCUP page</a> and HCUP's <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/overviewcourse.jsp">Online Overview Course</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What types of health care settings are captured in HCUP data?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The HCUP databases are built from hospital administrative data (i.e., hospital billing records). HCUP's databases cover hospital inpatient care, outpatient emergency department care, and hospital-affiliated and some freestanding ambulatory surgery care data. HCUP does not cover services provided in physician offices, and it does not include complete or reliable pharmacy, laboratory, pathology, or radiology information. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, what type of database is HCUP?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The HCUP databases are consistent with the definition of "<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://privacyruleandresearch.nih.gov/pr_08.asp">limited data sets</a>" under the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy">HIPAA Privacy Rule</a> and contain no direct patient identifiers. <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA) training</a> and a signed DUA are required to order the HCUP databases. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What is HCUP's unit of analysis?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The unit of analysis in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">HCUP databases</a> is the <em>discharge record</em>, not individual patients. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="tutorials">Online Tutorials</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is the HCUP Online Tutorial Series?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP's <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/tutorials.jsp">Online Tutorial Series</a> is a set of free, interactive training modules that are designed to provide data users with information about HCUP data and tools, as well as training on technical methods for conducting research using HCUP datasets. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What topics are available?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Topics in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/tutorials.jsp">Online Tutorial Series</a> include an HCUP overview, the sample designs of the databases, techniques for loading and checking data, methods for producing national estimates, guidance for calculating standard errors, and performing trends analysis over multiple years of data. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="obtaining">Obtaining HCUP Data</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>How can I access data or statistics from HCUP?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Users first complete an application and take the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">Data Use Agreement (DUA)</a> training. Data can then be obtained by purchasing the full HCUP databases from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>. Statistics and data tables from HCUP's nationwide and select state databases can be obtained from <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>, a free online query system. <br/><br/> Many <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> participate in the Central Distributor and HCUPnet, however not all do. If a state of interest does not release their full dataset through the Central Distributor, contact the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> directly for the data's availability. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="stats">Aggregate Statistics from HCUPnet</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is HCUPnet? </strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a> is a free, online query system that provides instant access to statistics and data tables from HCUP. Its easy, step-by-step process allows users to explore many health care topics relating to inpatient hospital services and emergency department encounters. Users may also generate graphs of national and regional statistics and trends from community hospitals in the United States. <br/><br/> HCUPnet can access statistics from five of its hospital databases: the <a href="#nis">Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</a>, <a href="#kid">Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)</a>, <a href="#neds">Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS)</a>, selected <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>, and selected <a href="#sedd">State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD)</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How is HCUPnet different from the full HCUP databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a> produces output by accessing pre-calculated statistical tables of HCUP data to produce quick results. For this reason, and to protect patient confidentiality, not all types of queries are possible using HCUPnet. The full HCUP databases are purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> and require a statistical software package (such as SAS, SPSS, or Stata) for use. Researchers are able to program the software to extract the type of information they are seeking from the databases. <br/><br/> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> decide if they want to release their state-level data through the Central Distributor or have state-level statistics on HCUPnet; because of this, data may be available through one or both sources, and the years of participation can vary. Please review the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">SID/SASD/SEDD Application Kit</a> and HCUPnet for a list of available states and their years of participation. <br/><br/> Additionally, national statistics are not available for all NIS years on HCUPnet. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Is the national data on HCUPnet weighted?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Yes. Unlike the full HCUP databases that are purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet's</a> statistics have had the weighting applied. The data from HCUPnet are national estimates. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is HCUPnet updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a> is updated as databases are released. The national statistics are updated annually, and state statistics are updated as new state data are processed. Available data states and years are listed on the HCUPnet pathways. <br/><br/> <li><strong>HCUPnet provides national readmission statistics. Is this information available in the full nationwide databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> No. Statistics on national readmission rates are only available <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>. This information is calculated using an intramural data file called the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), which is not available for public release or purchase. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="purchase">HCUP Databases for Purchase</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>How do I purchase HCUP databases, and how much do they cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/databases.jsp">HCUP databases</a> are available from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>; applications are available on the Central Distributor webpage. The Central Distributor may be contacted via e-mail at <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/mailto:HCUPDistributor@ahrq.gov">HCUPDistributor@ahrq.gov</a>. The cost per database varies by state and year (prices are set by <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a>). <br/><br/> Many <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> participate in the Central Distributor, however not all do. If a state of interest does not release their full dataset through the Central Distributor, contact the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> directly for the data's availability. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What HCUP databases are available for purchase?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP's <a href="#nation">nationwide databases</a> (the <a href="#nis">Nationwide Inpatient Sample [NIS]</a>, <a href="#kid">Kids' Inpatient Database [KID]</a>, and <a href="#neds">Nationwide Emergency Department Sample [NEDS]</a>), and select <a href="#state">state databases</a> (the <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases [SID]</a>, <a href="#sasd">State Ambulatory Surgery Databases [SASD]</a>, and <a href="#sedd">State Emergency Department Databases [SEDD]</a>) are available for purchase through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>. Available states and their years of participation are listed in each specific database's <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Application Kit</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Can I obtain a customized dataset or access additional elements that are not included in the standard HCUP databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP does not offer customized datasets - the data are offered as standard databases. No elements beyond those that are already included in the standard databases are available to the public. <br/><br/> <li><strong>When are HCUP databases generally released?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP's <a href="#state">state databases</a> are released on a rolling basis - typically beginning six to nine months following the end of a calendar year. Databases are listed in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/db_products.jsp">HCUP Database and Product Release Calendar</a> as they become available for purchase from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>. <br/><br/> The <a href="#nis">NIS</a> and <a href="#neds">NEDS</a> are released approximately 18-22 months following the end of a calendar year. Data years begin with 1988 for the NIS and 2006 for the NEDS. The <a href="#kid">KID</a> is released every three years, beginning with 1997 data. Review the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> Application Kits for a list of years that the databases are available. <br/><br/> As with the state databases, the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> Application Kits have the most up-to-date lists of available years of the national databases. Recent releases are also noted in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news.jsp">HCUP Database and Product Release Calendar</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Where do I send my completed Data Use Agreement?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Once you have taken the online <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/dua.jsp">HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA) Training</a> Course, please fax, e-mail, or mail your completed DUA form to the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>: <br/><br/> HCUP Central Distributor<br/> Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.<br/> 8757 Georgia Avenue, 12th Floor<br/> Silver Spring, MD 20910 <br/><br/> E-mail: <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/mailto:HCUPDistributor@ahrq.gov">HCUPDistributor@ahrq.gov</a><br/> Fax: (866) 792-5313 </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="nation">Nationwide Databases</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are HCUP's nationwide databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP''s nationwide databases provide estimates for hospital stays or emergency department encounters across the United States. Comprised of the <a href="#nis">Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</a>, the <a href="#kid">Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)</a>, and the <a href="#neds">Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS)</a>, the nationwide databases are built from stratified, random samples of HCUP's <a href="#state">state databases</a>. The nationwide databases include stays for all payers (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured). The databases can be used to create national estimates in health care utilization, access, charges, quality, and outcomes. The HCUP nationwide databases are available for purchase through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>. Statistics from the databases are available on <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Do I need to weight my nationwide database data?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Yes, HCUP's nationwide databases need to be weighted to produce national estimates. HCUP's free <a href="#tutorials">online tutorial</a> called <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/tutorials.jsp">Producing National HCUP Estimates</a> provides instruction on the process. <br/><br/> <li><strong>When are the nationwide databases generally released, and what years of data are available?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="#nis">NIS</a> and <a href="#neds">NEDS</a> are released annually, approximately 18-22 months following the end of a calendar year. Data years begin with 1988 for the NIS and 2006 for the NEDS. Review page 3 of both the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">NIS and NEDS Application Kits</a> for the current availability of data. <br/><br/> The <a href="#kid">KID</a> is released every three years, approximately 18 months following the end of a data year. Data years begin with 1997. Review page 3 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">KID Application Kit</a> for the current availability of data. <br/><br/> Database releases are also noted on a monthly basis in the HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/db_products.jsp">Database and Product Release Calendar</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a></div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="nis"><strong>Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is the Nationwide Inpatient Sample?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nisoverview.jsp">Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</a> is the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the United States, yielding national estimates of hospital inpatient stays. Unweighted, it contains data from approximately 8 million hospital stays each year. Weighted, it estimates roughly 40 million hospitalizations. Sampled from the <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>, the NIS contains all discharge data from more than 1,000 hospitals each year, approximating a 20 percent stratified sample of U.S. community hospitals. The NIS contains charge information on all patients, regardless of payer, including persons covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured. <br/><br/> The most recent version of the NIS (data year 2011) includes discharges from nearly 1,050 hospitals in 46 states, which comprise more than 97 percent of the U.S. population. <br/><br/> Additional information on the NIS, including a <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nisdde.jsp">description of data elements</a> and <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nissummstats.jsp">summary statistics</a>, can be found on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/nis/nisdbdocumentation.jsp">NIS Database Documentation page</a>. The database can be purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>, and statistics from the NIS are available on <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Can I perform state-level analyses with the NIS?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Because the sampling methodology used to create the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nisoverview.jsp">NIS</a> does not include <em>state</em> as a stratifier, analysts cannot generate state-level estimates using the database. Although the NIS includes weights to allow researchers to generate national estimates from the raw counts, no weights are included for the calculation of state-level estimates. <br/><br/> For information on state-specific inpatient stays, we recommend that you work with the HCUP <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Are the NIS data weighted?</strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nisoverview.jsp">NIS</a> purchased through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> <em>have not</em> been weighted; weighting will need to be applied by the user. To learn how to properly weight data, HCUP's free <a href="#tutorials">online tutorial</a> called <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/tutorials.jsp">Producing National HCUP Estimates</a> describes the process of applying the weighting to your data. <br/><br/> Please note that if you are using <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a> (our free, online query system), the weighting has already been applied - the statistics produced are national estimates. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is the NIS released, and what years are available?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nisoverview.jsp">NIS</a> is released annually, approximately 18 months after the end of a calendar year. Data years begin with 1988. Review page 3 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">NIS Application Kit</a> for the current availability of data. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How much does the NIS cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Prices are located on page 3 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">NIS Application Kit</a>. Cost may vary by year of data. Student pricing is available. <br/><br/> Additionally, statistics and data tables from the NIS are available on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>, HCUP's free, online query system. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="kid"><strong>Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is the Kids' Inpatient Database?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/kidoverview.jsp">Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)</a> is the only all-payer inpatient care database for children in the United States, yielding national estimates of hospital inpatient stays for patients under younger than 21 years of age. Unweighted, it contains approximately 2-3 million records each year. Weighted, it estimates approximately 7 million hospital stays for children. The KID is built from a sample of pediatric discharges from the <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>. The KID's large sample size enables analyses of both common and rare conditions such as congenital anomalies, uncommon treatments, and organ transplantation. The KID includes charge information on all patients, regardless of payer, including children covered by Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured. <br/><br/> The most recent version of the KID (data year 2009) includes discharges from 4,121 hospitals in 44 states. <br/><br/> Additional information on the KID, including a <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/kid/kiddde.jsp">description of data elements</a> and <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/kid/kidsummarystats.jsp">summary statistics</a>, can be found on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/kid/kiddbdocumentation.jsp">KID Database Documentation page</a>. The database can be purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>, and statistics from the KID are available on <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How is the KID different than the NIS?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/kidoverview.jsp">KID</a> is based on a stratified, random sample of <em>pediatric discharges</em> (younger than 21 years of age) from the <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>. Ten percent of uncomplicated in-hospital births and 80 percent of complicated births and other pediatric cases from each frame hospital are sampled. The chief benefit of using the KID is that, because of its sample design, rare conditions such as congenital anomalies and uncommon treatments such as organ transplantation can be analyzed. <br/><br/> The <a href="#nis">Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</a> is based on a stratified, random sample of <em>hospitals</em> from the SID. All hospital discharges from selected hospitals are retained, regardless of age or diagnosis. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Are the KID data weighted?</strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/kidoverview.jsp">KID</a> data purchased through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> <em>have not</em> been weighted; weighting will need to be applied by the user. To learn how to properly weight data, HCUP's free online tutorial <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/tutorials.jsp">Producing National HCUP Estimates</a> describes the process of weighting your data. <br/><br/> Please note that if you are using <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a> (our free, online query system), the weighting has already been applied - the statistics produced are national estimates. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is the KID released, and what years are available?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Unlike HCUP's other databases, which are released annually, the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/kidoverview.jsp">KID</a> is released every three years beginning with 1997 data. Review page 3 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">KID Application Kit</a> for the current availability of data. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How much does the KID cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Prices are located on page 3 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">KID Application Kit</a>. Cost may vary by year of data. Student pricing is available. <br/><br/> Additionally, statistics and data tables from the KID are available on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>, HCUP's free, online query system. <br/><br/> </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="neds"><strong>Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS)</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nedsoverview.jsp">Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS)</a> is the largest all-payer emergency department (ED) database in the United States, yielding national estimates of ED encounters. Unweighted, it contains approximately 25 to 30 million records each year. Weighted, it estimates approximately 130 million ED encounters. The NEDS contains discharges from over 950 hospitals and approximates a 20 percent stratified sample of U.S. hospital-based EDs. It is constructed using records from: (1) the HCUP <a href="#sedd">State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD)</a>, which capture information on ED encounters that do not result in an admission (i.e., treat-and-release encounters and transfers to other hospitals), and (2) the <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>, which contain information on patients initially seen in the ED and then admitted to the same hospital. The NEDS includes ED charge information for over 75% of patients, regardless of payer, including persons covered by Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured. <br/><br/> The most recent version of the NEDS (data year 2011) includes discharges from 922 hospital-based EDs in 30 states. <br/><br/> Additional information on the NEDS, including a <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/neds/nedsdde.jsp">description of data elements</a> and <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/neds/nedssummstats.jsp">summary statistics</a>, can be found on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/nation/neds/nedsdbdocumentation.jsp">NEDS Database Documentation page</a>. The database can be purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>, and statistics from the databases are available on <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Does the NEDS contain ICD-9-CM procedure codes or HCPCS®/CPT codes?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/nedsoverview.jsp">NEDS</a> contains both types of procedure codes; however, the type of code(s) depends on the state and the type of ED encounter. For ED encounters that do not result in hospitalization, procedures may be reported as both ICD-9-CM and HCPCS®/CPT. Information on availability by state can be found under the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sedddist/sedddist_ddeavailbyyear.jsp">Availability of Data Elements by Year</a> link located on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sedddbdocumentation.jsp">SEDD Database Documentation page</a> of the HCUP-US Website. This information may vary by year, so refer to the data year corresponding to the NEDS of interest. <br/><br/> For ED encounters resulting in hospitalization, procedures are coded as ICD-9-CM codes, but are sometimes also available in HCPCS®/CPT. Information on availability by state can be found under the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/siddist/siddist_ddeavailbyyear.jsp">Availability of Data Elements by Year</a> link located on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/siddbdocumentation.jsp">SID Database Documentation page</a> on the HCUP-US Website. This information may vary by year, so refer to the data year corresponding to the NEDS of interest. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Are the NEDS data weighted?</strong></li> <br/><br/> NEDS data purchased through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> <em>have not</em> been weighted; weighting will need to be applied by the user. To learn how to properly weight data, HCUP's free online tutorial <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/tutorials.jsp">Producing National HCUP Estimates</a> describes the process of weighting your data. <br/><br/> Please note that if you are using <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a> (our free, online query system), the weighting has already been applied - the statistics produced are national estimates. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is the NEDS released, and what years are available?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The NEDS is released annually, approximately 18-22 months after the end of a calendar year. Data years begin with 2006. Review page 3 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">NEDS Application Kit</a> for the current availability of data. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How much does the NEDS cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Prices are located on page 3 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">NEDS Application Kit</a>. Student pricing is available. <br/><br/> Additionally, statistics and data tables from the NEDS are available on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>, HCUP's free, online query system. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="state"><strong>State Databases </strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are the state databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP's state databases are a collection of all-payer datasets from participating states that can be used to investigate state-specific and multi-state trends in health care utilization, access, charges, quality, and outcomes. The HCUP state databases are comprised of the <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>, <a href="#sasd">State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (SASD)</a>, and the <a href="#sedd">State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD)</a>. Some HCUP State Databases are available for purchase through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>; listings of the states that release their databases through the Central Distributor begin on pages 5, 11, and 14, respectively, of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">SID/SASD/SEDD Application Kits</a>. Statistics from select states and settings are available on <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Do I need to weight my state database data?</strong></li> <br/><br/> No, HCUP's state databases do not need to be weighted. HCUP's state databases provide a census (not an estimate) of inpatient stays, ambulatory surgery encounters, or emergency department encounters occurring in a state's community hospitals. For additional information, please review the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/methods.jsp">HCUP Methods Series Report</a> #2010-05: <em><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/2010_05.pdf" target="_blank">Inferences with HCUP State Databases Final Report</a></em>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>If a state is an HCUP Partner, why are their databases not available through the HCUP Central Distributor or on HCUPnet?</strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> decide whether or not to distribute their public-release databases through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> and statistics on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>. Many <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> participate in the Central Distributor and/or HCUPnet. <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">Application Kits</a> provide information regarding the state databases available by year from the Central Distributor and the cost for each dataset. HCUPnet provides a list of the available state statistics and years included in the query system on the State Statistics pathways. <br/><br/> If a state of interest does not release their full dataset through the Central Distributor or participate in HCUPnet, contact the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> directly for the data's availability. <br/><br/> <li><strong>When are the state databases generally released?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP's state databases (the <a href="#sid">SID</a>, <a href="#sasd">SASD</a>, and <a href="#sedd">SEDD</a>) are released on a rolling basis - typically beginning six to nine months following the end of a calendar year. <br/><br/> The most up-to-date lists of available state databases begin on pages 5, 11, and 14, respectively, of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">SID/SASD/SEDD Application Kits</a>. The document is updated monthly. Recent releases are also noted on a monthly basis in the HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/db_products.jsp">Database and Product Release Calendar</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="sid"><strong>State Inpatient Databases (SID)</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are the State Inpatient Databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sidoverview.jsp">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a> are a set of all-payer inpatient care databases from participating <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> that capture hospital inpatient stays in a given state. They contain the universe of inpatient discharge abstracts in participating states that are translated into a uniform format to facilitate multi-state comparisons and analyses. The SID contain a core set of clinical and nonclinical information on all patients, regardless of payer, including persons covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured. <br/><br/> Together, the SID encompass more than 97 percent of all U.S. community hospital discharges. <br/><br/> The SID are the building blocks of the <a href="#nis">Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</a>, the <a href="#kid">Kids' Inpatient Database (KID)</a>, and the <a href="#neds">Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS)</a>. All SID include a core set of variables that are commonly included on inpatient discharge abstracts, along with some state-specific data elements. <br/><br/> Additional information on the SID, including a <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/siddist/siddist_ddeavailbyyear.jsp">description of data elements</a> with participation by state and year and <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/cdstats/cdstats_search.jsp">summary statistics</a> for select states, can be found on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/siddbdocumentation.jsp">SID Database Documentation page</a>. Select SID can be purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>, and statistics from select states are available on <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What is the difference between the SID and the NIS?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Key differences exist between the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sidoverview.jsp">SID</a> and the <a href="#nis">Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)</a>. Foremost, the SID contains the universe of inpatient discharge abstracts in a state, while the NIS consists of a sample of hospitals in the United States. Additionally, the NIS contains fewer data elements than the SID. The common data elements on the SID become the NIS core data elements and are standardized. The NIS still contains some state-specific elements (such as race), but they are not always complete. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What years are of the SID are available, and how much do they cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The availability and cost of the full <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sidoverview.jsp">SID</a> vary by state and year. The earliest available SID begin in 1990; however, not all states provide data from every year. Each <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> sets its own pricing, and some charge by applicant affiliation. A complete listing of availability and pricing by state and year are located on pages 5-9 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">SID Application Kit</a>. <br/><br/> Additionally, statistics and data tables from select SID are available on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>, HCUP's free, online query system. <br/><br/> Many <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> participate in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> and HCUPnet, however not all do. To obtain state-level data from states that do not participate, contact the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> directly for the data's availability. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="sasd"><strong>State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (SASD)</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sasdoverview.jsp">State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (SASD)</a> include encounter-level data for ambulatory surgeries and may include various types of outpatient services such as observation stays, lithotripsy, radiation therapy, imaging, chemotherapy, and labor and delivery. The specific types of ambulatory surgery and outpatient care services included in each SASD vary by State and data year. All SASD include data from hospital-owned ambulatory surgery facilities. In addition, some States include data from facilities not owned by a hospital. The designation of a facility as hospital-owned is specific to its financial relationship with a hospital that provides inpatient care and is not related to its physical location. Hospital-owned ambulatory surgery and other outpatient care facilities may be contained within the hospital, physically attached to the hospital or located in a different geographic area. Composition and completeness of data variables on the file may vary from state to state. The SASD contain a core set of clinical and non-clinical information on all patients, regardless of payer, including persons covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured. <br/><br/> Additional information on the SASD, including a <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sasddist/sasddist_ddeavailbyyear.jsp">description of data elements</a> with participation by state and year and <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/cdstats/cdstats_search.jsp">summary statistics</a> for select states, can be found on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sasddbdocumentation.jsp">SASD Database Documentation page</a>. Select SASD can be purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>. Statistics from the SASD are not yet available on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What types of facilities are included in the SASD?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The types of facilities (hospital-affiliated, freestanding non-hospital-affiliated) included in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sasdoverview.jsp">SASD</a> depend on information provided by the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a>. Some <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> provide data only from hospital-based ambulatory surgery facilities, while others also include non-hospital-affiliated, freestanding ambulatory surgery facilities. A complete list of the types of facilities included in the SASD can be found on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sasddist/sasd_multi.jsp">SASD File Composition page</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What years of the SASD are available, and how much do they cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The availability and cost of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/sasdoverview.jsp">SASD</a> vary by state and year. The earliest available SASD begin in 1997; however, not all states provide data from every year. Each <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> sets its own pricing, and some charge by applicant affiliation. A complete listing of availability and pricing by state and year are located on page 11 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">SASD Application Kit</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="sedd"><strong>State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD)</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are the State Emergency Department Databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/seddoverview.jsp">State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD)</a> are a set of all-payer emergency department (ED) databases from participating <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> that capture discharge information on all ED encounters that <em>do not</em> result in an admission to the same facility. They include universe of abstracts from hospital-affiliated ED encounters from community hospitals. Composition and completeness of the variables on the file may vary from state to state. The SEDD contain a core set of clinical and non-clinical information on all patients, regardless of payer, including persons covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured. <br/><br/> Additional information on the SEDD, including a <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sedddist/sedddist_ddeavailbyyear.jsp">description of data elements</a> with participation by state and year and <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/cdstats/cdstats_search.jsp">summary statistics</a> for select states, can be found on the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/sedddbdocumentation.jsp">SEDD Database Documentation page</a>. Select SEDD can be purchased from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>, and statistics from select states are available on <a href="#stats">HCUPnet</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Does the SEDD include all emergency department encounters — both those where the patient was admitted and those where they were treated and released?</strong></li> <br/><br/> No. The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/seddoverview.jsp">SEDD</a> provide ED encounter-level information where the emergency department encounter <em>does not</em> result in an admission to the same facility (i.e., patients in the SEDD were treated and released). Records for inpatient stays that began in the ED are found in the <a href="#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a>. Both the SEDD and SID are needed to analyze all ED encounters in a state. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What years of the SEDD are available, and how much do they cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The availability and cost of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/seddoverview.jsp">SEDD</a> vary by state and year. The earliest available SEDD begin in 1999; however, not all states provide data from every year. Each <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> sets its own pricing, and some charge by applicant affiliation. A complete list of availability and pricing by state and year is located on page 14 of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">SEDD Application Kit</a>. <br/><br/> Additionally, statistics and data tables from select SEDD are available on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://hcupnet.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">HCUPnet</a>, HCUP's free, online query system. <br/><br/> Many <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> participate in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a> and HCUPnet, however not all do. To obtain state-level data from states that do not participate, contact the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partner</a> directly for the data's availability. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="tools"><strong>Software Products and Tools</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="ccs"><strong>Clinical Classification Software (CCS)</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is the Clinical Classification Software?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tools_software.jsp">Clinical Classifications Software (CCS)</a> is a categorization scheme that was developed by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a>. It can be used to classify similar diagnosis or procedure coding (such as ICD-9-CM codes) and collapse them into a smaller number of clinically meaningful categories. The CCS categories may be more useful for presenting descriptive statistics than individual codes. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What types of CCS tools are there?</strong></li> <br/><br/> There are four types of CCS tools. The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/ccs/ccs.jsp">CCS for ICD-9-CM</a> provides a method for classifying ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes into a smaller number of clinically meaningful categories. The CCS for ICD-9-CM is the main and most frequently used version of the CCS tool. Most users employ the single-level CCS categorization scheme for diagnoses or procedures. A more detailed, multi-level scheme is available for ICD-9-CM diagnoses and procedures, but is not as commonly used. <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/beta/icd_10_beta.jsp">CCS for ICD-10-CM</a> clusters ICD-10-CM diagnosis and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes into a manageable number of clinically meaningful categories. This tool is currently in beta version and available for public evaluation. The official implementation of ICD-10-CM/PCS is currently scheduled for October 1, 2014. <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/icd_10/ccs_icd_10.jsp">CCS for ICD-10</a> is a separate tool focused on mortality reporting. This diagnosis categorization scheme involves ICD-10 coding, which has been used in the U.S. for mortality reporting since 1999. Note that this uses the original ICD-10 system for mortality reporting; not ICD-10-CM/PCS. The CCS for ICD-10 tool is valid through September 2009. <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/ccs_svcsproc/ccssvcproc.jsp">CCS-Services and Procedures</a> provides a method for classifying Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes into clinically meaningful procedure categories. The procedure categories are identical to the CCS for ICD-9-CM, with the addition of specific categories unique to professional service codes in CPT/HCPCS. Users must agree to a license to use the CCS-Services and Procedures prior to accessing the software. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What is the difference between the ICD-10 and ICD-10-CM CCS tools?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/icd_10/ccs_icd_10.jsp">CCS for ICD-10</a> contains only diagnosis codes that are used for mortality reporting. The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/beta/icd_10_beta.jsp">CCS for ICD-10-CM</a> beta version contains the full set of ICD-10-CM diagnosis and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes. The beta CCS for ICD-10-CM was developed in preparation for the ICD-10-CM coding implementation, currently scheduled for October 1, 2014. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is the CCS updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tools_software.jsp">CCS</a> is updated annually, as ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes are revised. Updates typically are released between October and April, and the software is valid for codes from January 1, 1980 through September 30 of the designated fiscal year. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How can I obtain the CCS, and how much does it cost?</strong></li> <br><br> The CCS may be downloaded free of charge from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tools_software.jsp">HCUP-US Website</a>. Select the type of CCS tool in which you are interested, and click on the "Downloading Information" link. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="ccr"><strong>Cost-to-Charge Ratio (CCR) Files</strong></a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are Cost-to-Charge Ratio Files?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/costtocharge.jsp">Cost-to-Charge Ratio (CCR) Files</a> are linkable files developed by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a> that enable the conversion of total charges - defined as what a hospital billed for services - into how much the hospital services actually cost. <br/><br/> Each CCR contains hospital-specific cost-to-charge ratios based on all-payer inpatient cost for nearly every hospital in the corresponding <a href="#nis">NIS</a>, <a href="#sid">SID</a>, or <a href="#kid">KID</a> databases. Cost information was obtained from the hospital cost reports (HCRIS) collected by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.cms.gov/" target="_blank">Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)</a>. Some imputations for missing values were necessary. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What databases have CCR files?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/costtocharge.jsp">CCR</a> is designed to be used exclusively with the <a href="#nis">NIS</a>, <a href="#sid">SID</a>, or <a href="#kid">KID</a>, and is unique by year. The CCR is not available for the <a href="#neds">NEDS</a>, <a href="#sasd">SASD</a>, or <a href="#sedd">SEDD</a>. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is the CCR updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Corresponding with database releases, the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/costtocharge.jsp">CCR</a> is updated annually for the <a href="#nis">NIS</a> and <a href="#sid">SID</a> and every three years for the <a href="#kid">KID</a>. The CCR is available shortly after the second release of the HCRIS database in May. <br/><br/> <li><strong>When using multiple years of data, should researchers use the most recent version of the CCR, or should they match the file to the specific year of data?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/costtocharge.jsp">CCR</a> is unique by year. Use the CCR that corresponds with the year of data. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How can I obtain the CCR, and how much does it cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/state/costtocharge.jsp">CCR</a> is available free of charge from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> </tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="supp"><strong>Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses</strong></a></div></td> <tr> <td> <div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are the Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/revisit.jsp">HCUP Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses</a>, or Revisit Variables, are additional variables that were developed by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a> They facilitate analyses to track patients across time and hospital settings exclusively in the <a href="#sid">SID</a>, <a href="#sasd">SASD</a>, and <a href="#sedd">SEDD</a>. <br/><br/> Each record in an HCUP database represents one discharge abstract from a hospital setting (inpatient, emergency department, or ambulatory surgery). Therefore, if an individual visited the hospital three times in a given year, the HCUP databases would include three separate records in the respective database. The Revisit Variables allow researchers to uniformly identify sequential visits for an individual in a single state across the SID, SASD, and SEDD, and to use the available clinical information to determine if the visits are unrelated, an unexpected revisit or re-hospitalization, or an expected follow-up. <br/><br/> <li><strong>What Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses exist?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/revisit.jsp">Revisit Variables</a> are available for the <a href="#sid">SID</a>, <a href="#sasd">SASD</a>, and <a href="#sedd">SEDD</a> in select states starting in 2003. Appendix A of the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/UserGuide_SuppRevisitFiles_CD_03-12_070714.pdf" target="_blank">HCUP Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses User Guide</a> (PDF file, 975 KB) provides a detailed list of which states, years, and types of data are available.  The Revisit Variables are designed to be used exclusively with the HCUP <a href="#state">state databases</a> and are unique by state and data year. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Are the Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses available for HCUP's nationwide databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> No. <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/revisit.jsp">Revisit Variables</a> are not available for the <a href="#nation">nationwide databases</a>; they are only for use with the <a href="#state">state databases</a>. <br/><br/> Statistics on national readmission rates are available on <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/faq.jsp#stats">HCUPnet</a>. These are calculated using an intramural data file called the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). The NRD is created by aggregating the HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/faq.jsp#sid">State Inpatient Databases (SID)</a> with reliable synthetic patient identifiers, which are used to track a person across hospitals within a State. The discharge weights are applied to these files to create national estimates. Please note, the NRD is not available for public release or purchase. <br/><br/> On HCUPnet, the raw rate readmissions include any person who has been readmitted within a 30-day window. Any admission/readmission can be counted as an index stay. For example, if a person is readmitted 15 days following a hospitalization, and then admitted again 29 days after that, both stays will be included. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often are the Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/revisit.jsp">Revisit Variables</a> are updated annually. <br/><br/> <li><strong>If I am using multiple years of data, should I use the most recent version of the Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses, or should I match the file to my year of data?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/revisit.jsp">Revisit Variables</a> are unique by state and year. Use the Revisit Variables that correspond with the year of data. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How do I obtain the Supplemental Variables for Revisit Analyses, and how much do they cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Beginning with 2009 data, the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/revisit/revisit.jsp">Revisit Variables</a> are included in the Core file of the <a href="#sid">SID</a>, <a href="#sasd">SASD</a>, and <a href="#sedd">SEDD</a> databases that are purchased through the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/centdist.jsp">HCUP Central Distributor</a>. For 2003-2008 data, the Revisit Variables are provided free of charge as a separate file with the applicable state databases. If the HCUP state databases were purchased prior to the release of the Revisit Variables, then these supplemental files are available free of charge from the Central Distributor. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="cci"><strong>Chronic Condition Indicator (CCI)</strong></a></div></td> </tr></div> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is the Chronic Condition Indicator?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/chronic/chronic.jsp">Chronic Condition Indicator (CCI)</a> is a tool developed by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a> that categorizes ICD-9-CM diagnoses codes into one of two categories: chronic or not chronic. Examples of chronic conditions include malignancies, diabetes, most forms of mental illness, hypertension, many forms of heart disease, and congenital anomalies. Non-chronic conditions include infections, pregnancy, many neonatal conditions, non-specific symptoms, and injuries. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is the CCI updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/chronic/chronic.jsp">CCI</a> is updated annually. Updates typically are released between October and April, and the tool is valid for codes from January 1, 1980 through September 30 of the designated fiscal year. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How can I obtain the CCI, and how much does it cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/chronic/chronic.jsp">CCI</a> can be downloaded free of charge from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/chronic/chronic.jsp#download">HCUP-US Website</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="comorbidity"><strong>Comorbidity Software</strong></a></div></td> </tr></div> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What is the Comorbidity Software?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/comorbidity/comorbidity.jsp">Comorbidity Software</a> is a product developed by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a> that identifies comorbidities in hospital discharge records using ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. Currently the Comorbidity Software creates 29 variables that identify major comorbidities (e.g., congestive heart failure, HIV/AIDS) in hospital discharge records. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How does the Comorbidity Software differ from the Elixhauser Comorbidities?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/comorbidity/comorbidity.jsp">Comorbidity Software</a> is based on the Elixhauser Comorbidities. The most recent versions of the Comorbidity Software contain 29 comorbidity indicators — not the 30 presented in the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9431328?dopt=Abstract" target="_blank">Elixhauser et al. (1998)</a> article. Beginning with the Fiscal Year 2004 version 2.0 of the Comorbidity Software, Dr. Elixhauser removed the cardiac arrhythmias indicator because of concerns about reliability. In addition, some original labels changed and some indicators began sharing duplicate ICD-9-CM codes in later versions. Each year, efforts are made to enhance the Comorbidity Software with better methods of identifying the Elixhauser Comorbidities. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often is the Comorbidity Software updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/comorbidity/comorbidity.jsp">Comorbidity Software</a> is updated each year. Each version is based on ICD-9-CM and MS-DRG codes that are valid through September 30 of the designated fiscal year. <br/><br/> <li><strong>If I am using multiple years of data, should I use the most recent version of the Comorbidity Software, or should I match the software to my year of data?</strong></li> <br/><br/> To ensure that the codes included in your datasets are included in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/comorbidity/comorbidity.jsp">Comorbidity Software</a>, we recommend you use the corresponding Comorbidity Software for each year of data. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How can I obtain the Comorbidity Software, and how much does it cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/comorbidity/comorbidity.jsp">Comorbidity Software</a> can be downloaded free of charge from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/comorbidity/comorbidity.jsp#download">HCUP-US Website</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="procedure"><strong>Procedure Classes</strong></a></div></td> </tr></div> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are the Procedure Classes?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/procedure/procedure.jsp">Procedure Classes</a> are a tool developed by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a> that categorizes procedure codes into one of four broad categories: Minor Diagnostic, Minor Therapeutic, Major Diagnostic, and Major Therapeutic. Procedure codes for this tool are based on the ICD-9-CM codes. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often are the Procedure Classes updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/procedure/procedure.jsp">Procedure Classes</a> are updated each year. The current version is based on ICD-9-CM procedure codes that are valid for January 1, 1980 through September 30 of the designated fiscal year. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How can I obtain the Procedure Classes, and how much do they cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/procedure/procedure.jsp">Procedure Classes</a> can be downloaded free of charge from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/procedure/procedure.jsp#download">HCUP-US Website</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"><a name="flags"><strong>Utilization Flags</strong></a></div></td> </tr></div> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What are the Utilization Flags?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/util_flags/utilflag.jsp">Utilization Flags</a> are software developed by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/" target="_blank">Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)</a>. The software creates 30 data elements that reveal additional information about use of health care services by combining information from UB-04 revenue codes, ICD-9-CM procedure codes, and <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/ccs/ccs.jsp">Clinical Classification Software (CCS)</a> procedure categories to create indicators (or flags) of utilization. Use of procedures and services such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and specific diagnostic tests and therapies in HCUP's <a href="#state">state databases</a> can be assessed with the Utilization Flags. <br/><br/> For additional information, the HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/methods.jsp">Methods Series Report</a> #2006-04: <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/2006_4.pdf"><em>Development of Utilization Flags for Use with UB-92 Administrative Data</em></a> has detailed documentation about the initial development of the Utilization Flags. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Can the Utilization Flags be used on HCUP's nationwide databases?</strong></li> <br/><br/> No. <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/util_flags/utilflag.jsp">Utilization Flags</a> can only be used on HCUP's <a href="#state">state databases</a>. The Utilization Flags use Revenue Codes, which are not reported in the <a href="#nation">nationwide databases</a>. In most HCUP state databases, Revenue Codes are stored in an array (<a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/vars/siddistnote.jsp?var=revcdn">REVCD1-REVCDn</a>, where <em>n</em> indicates the dimension of the array) with a corresponding array of associated charges. The number of Revenue Codes reported on an individual record varies; not all participating <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/partners.jsp">HCUP Partners</a> provide Revenue Codes in their state databases. Composition and completeness vary by state, year, and database. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How often are the Utilization Flags updated?</strong></li> <br/><br/> Revenue code categories are reviewed annually and updated in the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/util_flags/utilflag.jsp">Utilization Flags</a>, as appropriate. <br/><br/> <li><strong>How can I obtain the Utilization Flags, and how much do they cost?</strong></li> <br/><br/> The <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/util_flags/utilflag.jsp">Utilization Flags</a> can be downloaded free of charge from the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/toolssoftware/util_flags/utilflag.jsp#download">HCUP-US Website</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="pubs">HCUP Reports and Publications</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What articles and reports are available on the HCUP-US Website?</strong></li> <br/><br/> HCUP produces a number of publication series featuring HCUP data and tools. These publications and reports provide people with ready-made sources of statistics and guidance on a range of health care related subjects. Examples include: <br/><br/> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sbtopic.jsp">HCUP Statistical Briefs</a> which present simple, descriptive statistics on a variety of specific, focused topics</li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/methods_topic.jsp">HCUP Methods Series Reports</a> which feature a broad array of methodological information on the HCUP databases and software tools</li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports.jsp">HCUP Projections</a> use longitudinal HCUP data to project national and regional estimates on health care priorities.</li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports.jsp">HCUP Topical Reports</a> which provide information on various priority populations.</li> </ul> Additionally, the HCUP-US Website has an HCUP <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/pubsearch/pubsearch.jsp">Publications Search</a> feature, which allows visitors to search keywords for peer-reviewed articles and AHRQ reports that used HCUP data or products to support their research. The HCUP-US Website showcases high-quality examples of articles on its <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/spotlights.jsp">Research Spotlights</a> feature. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="tips">Tech Tips from the HCUP <em>eNews</em> Q&A Section</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> HCUP Q&A (formerly called Users' Tech Tips) can be found in HCUP's quarterly <em><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news.jsp">eNews</a></em>. Topics have included: <br/><br/> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/newsletters/newsltrQ2_2013.html#qa">Tracking Readmissions with HCUP Data</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/newsletters/newsltrQ3_2010.jsp#Users">HCUP's DISCWT (Weighting) Element</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/newsletters/newsltrQ3_2009.htm#Users">Choosing the Best HCUP Database for your Research</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/news/newsletters/newsltrQ1_2011.jsp#Users">Publishing with HCUP Data</a></li> </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr> <td><div class="texttitle"><a name="usersupport">About HCUP User Support</a></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><div class="pagetext"> <ul> <li><strong>What types of questions can HCUP User Support answer? </strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">HCUP User Support</a> can help you: find, select, and access the appropriate HCUP databases, tools, and documentation; navigate and use the HCUP-US and HCUPnet Websites; troubleshoot HCUP tools; answer questions about programming the data; investigate possible data or documentation errors; support in the interpretation of your HCUP data output; and guide you in the appropriate use and reporting of HCUP data. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Are there types of questions that HCUP User Support cannot answer? </strong></li> <br/><br/> Yes. <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">HCUP User Support</a> cannot answer questions related to programming software services or support; data coding; complex analyses; research design; or running, revising, or customizing HCUP tools. Staff may be able to guide you to other resources that are specific to your needs. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Can HCUP User Support assist with my study design and methodology? </strong></li> <br/><br/> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">User Support</a> cannot assist with HCUP research designs. However, many users have found HCUP's <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/pubsearch/pubsearch.jsp">Publication Search</a> page helpful in learning how other researchers have constructed their methodology. <br/><br/> <li><strong>Are there requirements for publishing with HCUP data? </strong></li> <br/><br/> Yes. Before publishing with HCUP data, <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/techassist.jsp">User Support</a> recommends reviewing the <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/publishing.jsp">Requirements for Publishing with HCUP Data page</a>. </ul> <a href="#topgeneral">Return to Contents</a> </div> </td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> </table> <hr width="75%" align="center" class="hrruleblue"> <table width="100%"> <tr> <td align="center" class="citationtext"> Internet Citation: HCUP Frequently Asked Questions. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). July 2014. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/tech_assist/faq.jsp. </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="citationtext"> <a href="/web/20140717092405/http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/viewing_prntg.jsp">Are you having problems viewing or printing pages on this Website?</a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="citationtext"> If you have comments, suggestions, and/or questions, please contact <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/mailto:hcup@ahrq.gov">hcup@ahrq.gov.</a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="citationtext"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.ahrq.gov/policy/electronic/privacy/index.html" target="_blank">Privacy Notice</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092405/http://www.hhs.gov/plugins.html" target="_blank">Viewers & Players</a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" class="citationtext">Last modified 7/8/14</td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>

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