Description

For sample children and sample adults, ERYRNO reports the number of times respondents had gone to a hospital emergency room about their own health during the past 12 months, including emergency room visits that resulted in a hospital admission. Respondents were handed a card listing a range of responses and were asked to indicate the appropriate response.

The Field Representative's Manual for 1997 forward 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

Responses for 2000 forward were grouped into smaller intervals than was the case for 1997-1999.

To maximize comparability over time, a composite coding system was used.

Questionnaire design changes introduced in 2019 limit comparability with earlier years. The NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

Universe

Availability

• 1997-2023

Weights

• 1997-2023 : SAMPWEIGHT