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Methods Series

The HCUP Methods Series features a broad array of methodological information on the HCUP databases and software tools.

Reports are listed below by topic. You may also view this series in chronological order.
 

Methodology
Comparison Reports
Evaluations of Data
Enhancing Administrative Data
  • Clinical Information
  • Synthetic Person Numbers (for linking across settings and over time)
HCUP Tool Development
  • Clinical Classifications Software
  • Comorbidity Software
  • Utilization Flags
 

 
Calculating Costs
Report #2021-05 HCUP Cost-to-Charge Ratio Methodologies (PDF file, 680 KB; HTML)
Report #2011-04 Tools for More Accurate Inpatient Cost Estimates with HCUP Databases, 2009 (PDF file, 837 KB)
Report #2008-04 Calculate Cost Adjustment Factors by APR-DRG and CCS Using Selected States with Detailed Charge (PDF file, 122 KB)
Report #2008-03 The Cost of Ambulatory Surgery Visits, 2005 (PDF file, 187 KB)
Report #2007-05 The Cost of "Treat and Release" to Hospital Emergency Departments, 2003 (PDF file, 166 KB)
 
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Comparison Reports - Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID)
Report #2006-03 2003 HCUP KIDS' Inpatient Database (KID) Comparison Report (PDF file, 607 KB)
Report #2001-01 Comparative Analysis of the HCUP Kids´ Inpatient Database (KID), 1997 (PDF file, 645 KB)
 
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Comparison Reports - National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS)
Report #2015-04 2012 Report (PDF file, 1.1 MB; HTML)
Report #2010-03 2007 Report (PDF file, 524 KB)
Report #2008-01 2005 Report (PDF file, 389 KB)
Report #2007-03 2004 Report (PDF file, 441 KB)
Report #2006-09 2003 Report (PDF file, 547 KB)
Report #2005-03 2002 Report (PDF file, 644 KB)
Report #2004-04 2001 Report (PDF file, 1,076 KB)
Report #2003-01 2000 Report (PDF file, 991 KB)
Report #2002-02 1999 Report (PDF file, 1,117 KB)
Report #2000-01 1997 Report (PDF file, 340 KB)
Report #1998-01 1995 Report (PDF file, 284 KB)
Report #1997-01 1993 Report (PDF file, 301 KB)
Report #1996-01 1988-1992 Report (PDF file, 436 KB)
 
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Diagnosis Present-on-Admission Indicators
Report #2015-06 Examination of the Coding of Present-on-Admission Indicators in Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases (SID) (PDF file, 756 KB)
Report #2011-05 The Case for the POA Indicator: Update 2011 (PDF file, 418 KB)
Report #2006-01 The Case for the Present-on-Admission (POA) Indicator (PDF file, 246 KB)
 
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Enhancing Administrative Data
Report #2010-01 Enhancing Clinical Information in Statewide Hospital Administrative Data: Project Summary and Lessons Learned (PDF file, 248 KB)
Report #2006-02 Final PNUM Linkage Variable Report of the State Databases Available Through the HCUP Central Distributor, 2003 (PDF file, 224 KB)
 
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Estimating Trends (NIS and KID)
Report #2007-02 Using the KIDS' Inpatient Database (KID) to Estimate Trends (PDF file, 360 KB)
Trends Weights for the 1997 HCUP KID Data
Report #2006-05 Using the HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample to Estimate Trends (PDF file, 1.0 MB)
Trend Weights for 1988-1997 HCUP NIS Data (Link to downloadable weights files)
Report #2005-01 Using the HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample to Estimate Trends (1988-2002) (PDF file, 830 KB)
Trend Weights for 1988-1997 HCUP NIS Data (Link to downloadable weights files)
 
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Evaluations - Emergency Department Data
Report #2016-08 State Variation in Procedure Coding in the HCUP State Emergency Department Databases (PDF file, 390 KB)
Report #2016-07 Challenges to Studying Patients Transferred Between Hospitals (PDF file, 739 KB)
Report #2011-03 Special Study on the Meaning of the First-Listed Diagnosis on Emergency Department and Ambulatory Surgery Records (PDF file, 1 MB)
Report #2005-02 Emergency Department Data Evaluation (PDF file, 752 KB)
 
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Evaluations - Other
Report #2019-04 Conducting County-Level Analyses With HCUP Data: Approaches and Methodological Considerations (PDF file, 738 KB)
Report #2016-07 Challenges to Studying Patients Transferred Between Hospitals (PDF file, 739 KB)
Report #2016-03 HCUP External Cause of Injury Code (E Code) Evaluation Report (Updated with 2013 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 490 KB)
Report #2016-02 Impact of ICD-10-CM/PCS on Research Using Administrative Databases (PDF file, 1.2 MB)
Report #2015-03 HCUP External Cause of Injury (E Code) Evaluation Report (Updated with 2012 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 429 KB)
Report #2014-01 HCUP External Cause of Injury (E Code) Evaluation Report (Updated with 2011 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 297 KB)
Report #2013-02 HCUP External Cause of Injury (E Code) Evaluation Report (Updated with 2010 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 227 KB)
Report #2008-02 Patient Safety in Hospitals in 2004: Toward Understanding Variation Across States (PDF file, 459 KB)
Report #2004-06 HCUP External Cause of Injury (E Code) Evaluation Report (2001 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 897 KB)
HCUP E Code Evaluation Addendum - Updated Information for 2009 (PDF file, 159 KB)
HCUP E Code Evaluation Addendum - Updated Information for 2006 and 2008 (PDF file, 135 KB)
HCUP E Code Evaluation Report - Appendix D (PDF file, 486 KB)
HCUP E Code Evaluation Report - Appendix E (PDF file, 463 KB)
 
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Evaluations - State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases
Report #2011-07 2009 Report (PDF file, 756 KB)
Report #2011-03 Special Study on the Meaning of the First-Listed Diagnosis on Emergency Department and Ambulatory Surgery Records (PDF file, 1 MB)
Report #2011-02 2008 Report (PDF file, 767 KB)
Report #2010-04 2007 Report (PDF file, 903 KB)
Report #2009-03 2006 Report (PDF file, 248 KB)
Report #2008-08 2005 Report (PDF file, 526 KB)
Report #2007-04 2004 Report (PDF file, 356 KB)
Report #2006-10 2003 Report (PDF file, 316 KB)
Report #2005-04 2002 Report (PDF file, 253 KB)
Report #2004-03 2001 Report (PDF file, 489 KB)
Report #2003-03 1999 Report (PDF file, 419 KB)
 
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Expected Payer
Report #2022-02 User Guide: An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2020 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 632 KB)
Supplements 1-3 (PDF file, 1.02 MB)
Report #2021-01 User Guide: An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2019 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 657 KB; HTML)
Supplements 1-3 (PDF file, 1.0 MB; HTML)
Report #2020-03 An Examination of Ambiguous Source Payer Codes Among Individuals Aged 65+ Years in HCUP Data: Final Report (PDF file, 757 KB)
Supplements 1-6 (PDF file, 706 KB)
Report #2020-01 User Guide: An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2018 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 719 KB)
Report #2019-03 User Guide: An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2017 HCUP Data (PDF file, 607 KB)
Report #2018-04 User Guide: An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2016 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 559 KB)
Report #2018-02 An Examination of CHIP and Medicaid Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (PDF file, 488 KB)
Supplement 1-2 (PDF file, 546 KB)
Supplement 3 (PDF file, 301 KB; Excel file, 54 KB)
Report #2017-05 User Guide: An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2015 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 367 KB)
Report #2016-09 User Guide - An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2014 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 275 KB)
Report #2015-08 User Guide - An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (Updated for 2013 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 542 KB)
Report #2014-03 User Guide - An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (PDF file, 557 KB)
An Examination of Expected Payer Coding in HCUP Databases (PDF file, 1.3 MB)
Supplement 4 (PDF file, 502 KB; Excel file, 156 KB)
 
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HCUP Methods for National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Report #2023-01

Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2023 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) (PDF file, 1.1 MB)

Report #2022-01 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) (PDF file, 1.1 MB; HTML)
Report #2021-03 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2021 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) (PDF file, 4.4 MB; HTML)
Report #2020-04 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2019 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) (PDF file, 1.3 MB)
Report #2019-01 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2018 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (QDR) (PDF file, 1.1 MB)
Report #2018-01 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2017 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (QDR) (PDF file, 585 KB)
Report #2017-03 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2016 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (QDR) (PDF file, 603 KB)
Report #2016-01 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2015 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (QDR) (PDF file, 992 KB)
Report #2015-02 Methods Applying AHRQ Quality Indicators to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data for the 2014 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (QDR) (PDF file, 491 KB)
Report #2012-03 Eleventh (2013) Quality and Disparities Report (PDF file, 458 KB; HTML)
Report #2012-02 Tenth (2012) Quality and Disparities Report (PDF file, 134 KB; HTML)
Report #2011-06 Ninth (2011) Quality and Disparities Report (PDF file, 367 KB)
Report #2010-06 Eighth (2010) Quality and Disparities Report (PDF file, 623 KB)
Report #2009-02 Seventh (2009) Disparities Report (PDF file, 248 KB)
Report #2008-06 Sixth (2008) Disparities Report (PDF file, 149 KB)
Addendum to Sixth (2008) Disparities Report (PDF file, 33 KB)
Report #2008-05 Sixth (2008) Quality Report (PDF file, 172 KB)
Report #2007-07 Fifth (2007) Disparities Report (PDF file, 508 KB)
Report #2007-06 Fifth (2007) Quality Report (PDF file, 428 KB)
Report #2006-08 Fourth (2006) Disparities Report (PDF file, 185 KB)
Report #2006-07 Fourth (2006) Quality Report (PDF file, 212 KB)
Report #2005-06 Third (2005) Disparities Report (PDF file, 186 KB)
Report #2005-05 Third (2005) Quality Report (PDF file, 282 KB)
Report #2004-07 Second (2004) Quality Report (PDF file, 414 KB)
Report #2004-05 Second (2004) Disparities Report (PDF file, 433 KB)
Report #2003-05 First (2003) Quality Report (PDF file, 490 KB)
Report #2003-04 First (2003) Disparities Report (PDF file, 674 KB)
 
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HCUP Tool Development
Report #2006-04 Development of Utilization Flags for Use with UB-92 Administrative Data (PDF file, 258 KB)
Appendices: A-F (PDF file, 452 KB)
Report #2004-02 Clinical Classifications Software Documentation (PDF file, 355 KB)
Report #2004-01 Comorbidity Software Documentation (PDF file, 583 KB; HTML)
 
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Observation Services
Report #2016-05 Identifying Observation Services in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Databases (Updated with 2013 HCUP Data) (PDF file, 440 KB)
Report #2015-05 Identifying Observation Services in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Databases (PDF file, 647 KB)
Report #2002-03 Observation Status Related to U.S. Hospital Records (PDF file, 469 KB)
 
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Population Denominator Data for Use with HCUP Databases
Report #2022-03 Population Denominator Data Sources and Data for Use with HCUP Databases (Updated with 2021 Population Data) (PDF file, 680 KB)
Appendix (Excel file, 292 KB)
Report #2021-04 Population Denominator Data Sources and Data for Use with HCUP Databases (Updated with 2020 Population Data) (PDF file, 812 KB; HTML)
Appendix (Excel file, 290 KB)
Report #2020-02 Population Denominator Data Sources and Data for Use with HCUP Databases (Updated with 2019 Population Data) (PDF file, 668 KB)
Appendix A: Population Data Tables (Excel file, 287 KB)
Report #2019-02 Population Denominator Data Sources and Data for Use with HCUP Databases (Updated with 2018 Population Data) (PDF file, 882 KB)
Appendix A: Population Data Tables (Excel file, 358 KB)
Report #2018-03 Population Denominator Data Sources and Data for Use with HCUP Databases (Updated with 2017 Population Data) (PDF file, 359 KB)
Appendix A: Population Data Tables (Excel file, 255 KB)
Report #2017-04 Population Denominator Data for Use with the HCUP Databases (Updated with 2016 Population Data) (PDF file, 477 KB)
Appendix A Population Data Tables (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2016-04 Population Denominator Data for Use with the HCUP Databases (Updated with 2015 Population Data) (PDF file, 375 KB)
Appendix A Population Data Tables (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2015-07 Population Denominator Data for Use with the HCUP Databases (Updated with 2014 Population Data) (PDF file, 617 KB)
Appendix A Population Data Tables (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2014-02 Population Denominator Data for Use with the HCUP Databases (Updated with 2013 Population Data) (PDF file, 538 KB)
Appendix A Population Data Tables (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2013-01 Population Denominator Data for use with HCUP Databases (Updated with 2012 Population data) (PDF file, 338 KB)
Appendix A Population Data Tables (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2012-01 Population Denominator Data for use with HCUP Databases (Updated with 2010 Population data) (PDF file, 436 KB)
Appendix A Population Data Tables (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2010-02 Population Denominator Data for Use with the HCUP Databases (Updated with 2009 Population Data) (PDF file, 353 KB)
Appendix A (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2008-07 Population Denominator Data for Use with the HCUP Databases (Updated) (PDF file, 248 KB)
Census Population Data Tables, 1990-2007 (in ZIP format for downloading)
Report #2006-06 Updated population information available under Method Series Report 2008-07
Population Denominator Data for Use with the HCUP Databases (PDF file, 285 KB)
Census Population Data Tables, 1990-2005 (in ZIP format for downloading)
 
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Readmission and Revisit Analyses
Report #2012-04 Overview of Key Readmission Measures and Methods (PDF file, 348 KB)
Report #2011-01 Methodological Issues when Studying Readmissions and Revisits using Hospital Administrative Data (PDF file, 301 KB)
 
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Statistical Methods
Report #2021-02 Methods for Calculating Patient Travel Distance to Hospital in HCUP Data (PDF file, 1.3 MB; HTML)
Supplements 1-3 (Excel file, 136 KB)
Report #2017-02 Feasibility Report on Redesigning the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) (PDF file, 770 KB)
Report #2017-01 Calculating Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) Variances (PDF file, 325 KB)
Report #2016-06 Using the HCUP Databases to Study Incidence and Prevalence (PDF file, 282 KB)
Report #2015-09 Calculating National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Variances for Data Years 2012 and Later (PDF file, 565 KB; HTML)
Report #2015-01 Missing Data Methods for the NIS and the SID (PDF file, 871 KB)
Report #2014-04 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) Redesign Final Report (PDF file, 2.0 MB)
Report #2010-05 Inferences with HCUP State Databases Final Report (PDF file, 215 KB)
Report #2007-01 Hierarchical Modeling Using HCUP Data (PDF file, 580 KB)
Report #2005-07 Calculating Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) Variances (PDF file, 322 KB)
Report #2003-02 Calculating Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) Variances for Data Years 2011 and Earlier (PDF file, 642 KB; HTML)
Report #2002-01 Changes in the NIS Sampling and Weighting Strategy for 1998 (PDF file, 1,430 KB)
 
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Internet Citation: HCUP Methods Series. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). 05 2023. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/methods/methods_topic.jsp.
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Last modified 05/02/23