Is it possible to obtain State-level estimates from the NAMCS and NHAMCS data?
A. The surveys are primarily designed to provide national estimates. Geographic region (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West) and metropolitan statistical area status (a yes/no field indicating whether the visit took place in an urban or rural area) are the only geographic designations on the files. The first stage of sampling is the selection of a group of PSUs (primary sampling units). These are geographic segments composed of counties, groups of counties, towns and townships or minor civil divisions, or metropolitan statistical areas. They may cross State lines and will not necessarily be selected in every State. In fact, the surveys are not designed to sample ambulatory care visits in every State, and meaningful estimates cannot be made on a State-level basis.
