PCLOOKHELEV and PCLOOKHELYR are one of five sets of paired variables on the use of computers to access health information or services. As the 2009 Field Representative's Manual puts it, "The series of questions are of two parts, one if you've ever done something and then if this has occurred in the past 12 months."

These five sets of questions on computer use comprised the Health Information Technology (HIT) supplement. Via this inquiry, the 2009 NHIS became the first nationally representative household survey to collect data on the use of the Internet as a means of accessing health services and information.

The 2009 Manual explains the rationale for this inquiry as follows:

Starting in 2022, the supplement was reduced to 5 variables. The five questions asked sample persons about their internet access and use of the internet for health and medical purposes. These were added to the NHIS in July 2022 in the HIT section as emerging content.

The other topics on computer use included in the supplement, and the associated IPUMS NHIS variables, are:

• Ever used online chat groups to learn about health topics (PCCHATHELEV)

• Used online chat groups to learn about health topics, past 12 months (PCCHATHELYR)

• Ever communicated with health care provider using e-mail (PCEMAILHPEV)

• Communicated with health care provider using e-mail, past 12 months (PCEMAILHPEV)

• Ever scheduled appointment with health care provider using Internet (PCAPPTHPEV)

• Scheduled appointment with health care provider using Internet, past 12 months (PCAPPTHPYR)

• Ever refilled prescriptions on Internet (PCRXFILLEV)

• Refilled prescriptions on Internet, past 12 months (PCRXFILLYR)

• Added in 2022: Has access to internet, past 12 months (PCACS)

• Added in 2022: Has access to internet at home, past 12 months (PCACSHOME)

• Added in 2022: Check medical test results on the internet, past 12 months (PCTEST)