SAP Metadata Portal

Through its data linkage program, NCHS has been able to expand the analytic utility of the data collected from the National Hospital Care Survey (NHCS) by augmenting it with administrative data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). NHCS data have been linked to VA administrative data containing information on details of active-duty service in the United States uniformed services (such as branch of service and era of active-duty service) and VA benefit program utilization including VA health care, service-connected disability compensation, pension, VA guaranteed home loan program, life insurance, education, training and veteran readiness (vocational rehabilitation), and employment benefit programs.

Data Access

Is a Public-Use Version (PUF) Available?

Summary of Differences

The restricted-use file may include lower-level geography and select variables not available on the public-use file due to possible disclosure risk. Most restricted-use geographic NCHS variables can only be used to merge external data or to categorize geographic areas with similar characteristics. Researchers should not estimate regions smaller than the specific survey's sample design would support, even when smaller levels of geography are available.

Does Geography Differ from Public Version?

Does Level of Variable Detail Differ from Public Version?

Yes

National Hospital Care Survey (NHCS) linked to Department of Veterans Affairs Administrative Data Files

Description

Data Access