Description

For sample adults and sample children who had gone to a hospital emergency room at least once during the past 12 months (ERYRNO), ERVISITWHY identifies the main reason for the last emergency room visit. Interviewers asked this follow-up question in 1999 only.

From a flashcard, respondents selected the main reason, from the following list:

The Field Representative's Manual for 1999 cautioned interviewers, "When recording emergency room visits, do not include visits to outpatient clinics and urgent care facilities." The Manual also defined "hospital emergency room" as "an emergency care facility at a hospital. It is also sometimes referred to as an emergency department" and reiterated, "Do not include emergency care received at a clinic or HMO." Emergency room visits that resulted in admission for inpatient care were to be included. The definition of an emergency room and these qualifications were not routinely shared with respondents, however.

Comparability

This variable is only available in 1999.

Universe

Availability

• 1999

Weights

• 1999 : SAMPWEIGHT