Central Distributor SASD: Description of Data Elements

MEDINCSTQ - Median household income state quartile for patient ZIP Code

Documentation Sections:

General Notes

Uniform Values

State Specific Notes

General Notes

This categorical variable (MEDINCSTQ) provides a quartile classification of the estimated median household income for the state. The cut-offs for the quartile designation for each state is determined using ZIP Code-demographic data obtained from Claritas. The assignment of MEDINCSTQ for a particular discharge is based on the median income of the patient's ZIP Code. The quartiles are identified by values of 1 to 4, indicating the poorest to wealthiest populations, respectively. Because these estimates are updated annually, the value ranges for the MEDINCSTQ categories vary by year and state. The income quartile value is missing (.) for homeless and foreign patients. The source data reports the income value "9999" when data are not available for a ZIP code. These values are still interpreted as if they are incomes for HCUP.

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Uniform Values

Variable Description Value Value Description MEDINCSTQ Median household income state quartile for patient ZIP Code 1 First quartile 2 Second quartile 3 Third quartile 4 Fourth quartile . Missing .A Invalid

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State Specific Notes

None

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