Attachment 49 Attachment 49 HC Help Text

Item Number: AC10, AC40
Item Tag: AC1020, AC1035
Blaise Name: HaveUSC, WhyNoUSC
Help Tag: USCHelp
USUAL SOURCE OF HEALTH CARE -The particular medical person, doctor’s office, clinic, health center, or other place a
person would usually go to if he or she was sick or needed advice about his or her
health.
Item Number: AC70, MV10, MV40, OP10
Item Tag: AC1075, MV1015, MV1035, OP1010
Blaise Name: ProvDoc, MVSeeDoc, MVDocLoctn, OPSeeDoc
Help Tag: MDDOTypes
MEDICAL DOCTOR –
Include both doctors of medicine (M.D.) and doctors of osteopathy (D.O.). Specific
examples of physicians include:
• allergists,
• obstetricians,
• anesthesiologists,
• ophthalmologists,
• cardiologists,
• orthopedists,
• dermatologists,
• otolaryngologists (ear, nose, & throat doctor),
• endocrinologists,
• family practice physicians,
• pediatricians,
• gastroenterologists,
• psychiatrists,
• general physicians,
• physiatrists (rehab medicine);
• geriatricians,
• radiologists,
• gynecologists,
• surgeons (any),
• internists,
• urologists, and
• neurologists.
Types of providers not to be counted as medical doctors are:
1

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

chiropractors,
dentists,
nurses,
optometrists,
paramedics,
podiatrists, and
psychologists.

Item Number: AC80
Item Tag: AC1080
Blaise Name: ProvOthType
Help Tag: ProvOthTypeHelp
NURSE -Includes several types of nursing specialists, such as registered nurse (RN), licensed
practical nurse (LPN), nurse’s aide, occupational health nurse, community health nurse,
or public health nurse (PHN).
NURSE PRACTITIONER -Persons who may perform any combination of tasks, and may be directed by nursing
and medical staff, to care for patients at home. Their duties may include bathing
patients; giving alcohol rubs; measuring and recording the intake and output of liquids;
taking and recording temperature, pulse and respiration rates; examining equipment to
detect maintenance needs and notifying the supervisor of these needs.
PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT -A Physician Assistant (PA) is a medical person who provides health care services with
the direction and supervision of a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic physician
(DO). Physician Assistants train for several years in order to earn the certification to
perform diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. Not to be
confused with non-medical persons who also ‘assist’ the physician.
MIDWIFE -A female who practices the art of aiding in the delivery of babies.
CHIROPRACTOR -Medical persons who practice a system of medicine based on the principles that the
nervous system largely determines the state of health and that disease results from
nervous system malfunctioning. Treatment consists primarily of the adjustment and
manipulation of parts of the body, especially the spinal column.
Item Number: AH70, AH80
Item Tag: AH1075, AH1080
2

Blaise Name: CondInj, Injury
Help Tag: ConInjHelp
ACCIDENT/INJURY -Physical problems because of some sort of external trauma to the body such as a fall or
being in an auto accident. This refers to unexpected and undesirable events. Accidents
may include poisonings, where the condition results from swallowing, breathing, or
coming in contact with some poisonous substance. Illnesses and other types of
problems due to a natural process in the body, such as any type of disease, should not
be included.
Please use care when coding that a condition is due to an accident or injury. A
condition, such as “broken eardrum” may be due to an accident/injury or may be due to
some other cause, such as childhood disease.
Exposure to heavy lifting, loud noise, and other similar hazards are considered
accidents/injuries only when they are one-time occurrences. For example, a punctured
eardrum resulting from a loud explosion would be considered an accident/injury, but
continued exposure to loud noises at work resulting in partial deafness would not be
considered an accident/injury. For the latter case, code no. Follow the same procedure
if the cause is continued strain from continuous heavy lifting, etc.
Code this question as yes only if the respondent is sure that the condition resulted from
an accident or injury. If after probing, your respondent is still unsure, assume that it is
not due to an accident or injury and code no.
Item Number: AH10, AH20, AH40, AH50
Item Tag: AH1025, AH1030, AH1050, AH1055
Blaise Name: MissWork, NoWork, MissWorkOth, DaysOth
Help Tag: HALFDAYHelp
HALF DAY OR MORE -If a person’s work or school day is 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., for example, and he/she stayed
home from work or school (because of a physical or mental health problem) for more
than 3 hours of that time, we consider this as having missed a half day or more. If a
person’s work for pay is usually done at home, or if a person does housework for pay,
include any half days missed from such work when it is due to illness or injury.
Item Number: AH110
Item Tag: AH1125
Blaise Name: Exer5Days
Help Tag: ExerActHelp
MODERATE OR VIGOROUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY –
Moderate physical activity causes only light sweating or a slight or moderate increase in
breathing or heart rate and would include activities such as fast walking, raking leaves,
3

mowing the lawn, or heavy cleaning. Vigorous physical activity causes heavy sweating
or large increases in breathing or heart rate and would include activities such as
running, race walking, lap swimming, aerobics classes, or fast bicycling.
Item Number: AS40
Item Tag: AS1020
Blaise Name: HomeValue
Help Tag: HomeValueHelp
VALUE (FOR 'THIS HOME') -When determining the present value of real estate (the primary residence), we want to
know the market value for the land and structures on that land. This would be the
amount the property would bring if sold in the current real estate market. The
respondent should not report the profit he or she would make if the property was sold,
but the actual sale price that could be achieved.
If the respondent has no idea what the property would bring in the current market, the
tax appraisal value may be entered instead.
Item Number: AS90
Item Tag: AS1085
Blaise Name: RetirAcct
Help Tag: RetirAcctHelp
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS -IRA –
An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, is a personal retirement plan whereby a limited
amount of annual earnings may be invested, as in mutual funds or a savings account,
with the investment money and its earnings being tax-free until retirement. Payments from
these accounts must be reported on the tax filer's income tax return. Payments include
regular distributions, early distributions, rollovers, and any other money or property the
person received from his/her IRA account or annuity.
401K –
A 401(k) is an optional retirement plan supported by many companies. This money is
taken out and invested before the employee's paycheck is taxed. The plan is set up by a
qualified employer with the primary contributions being deposited by the employee. Often
there is a company matching plan where they will also contribute a percentage of the
money the employee contributed.
403(b) ACCOUNT –
A 403(b) is a retirement savings plan available for public education organizations, some
non-profit employers and self-employed ministers in the United States. It is similar to a
401(k) plan where part of the employee's salary is taken out and invested in the 403(b)
plan before income tax is paid on it. The investment is allowed to grow tax deferred until
the money is taxed as income when taken out of the plan.
4

KEOGH ACCOUNT –
A retirement plan for self-employed persons and certain groups of employees whereby a
limited amount of annual earnings may be invested, as in mutual funds or a savings
account, with the invested money and its earnings being tax-free until retirement.
Item Number: AS110
Item Tag: AS1105
Blaise Name: RetirAcctValue
Help Tag: RetirAcctValueHelp
VALUE (FOR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS) -The amount of money you would receive today if you withdrew all the money in these
types of accounts. Do not deduct from this amount any penalties that might be incurred
because of early withdrawal.
Item Number: CP80, FF100
Item Tag: CP1085, FF1090
Blaise Name: EvpvYNoBill, FFeeYNoBill
Help Tag: YNoBillHelp
PAID AT TIME OF VISIT -The charge was paid at the time of the visit to the provider, and the person may not
have received a bill.
MADE A COPAYMENT -A co-payment is a fixed sum that a person pays for health services regardless of the
actual charge (the insurer pays the rest of the actual charge). For example, the person
may pay $10 for each office visit, $75 for each day in the hospital, and $5 for each drug
prescription.
BILL SENT DIRECTLY TO OTHER SOURCE -This situation normally applies where the provider or the person sends the bill to the
insurance company in order for the insurance company to pay the health care provider.
BILL HAS NOT ARRIVED -The person expects to receive a bill from the health care provider as to the charges
owed, however this bill has not arrived.
NO BILL SENT: HMO PLAN -No bill was sent to the person since the charges were paid by the person’s Health
Maintenance Organization (HMO) or the services were received at an HMO facility.
HMOs are organizations that have responsibility for providing comprehensive health
care services in exchange for a fixed periodic payment. With an HMO, a person must
generally receive their care from HMO physicians; otherwise the expense is not covered
5

unless the person was referred by the HMO or there was a medical emergency. With an
HMO, the cost of a visit is covered in full or you have to pay a small amount.
HMOs can be sponsored by the government, medical schools, hospitals, employers,
labor unions, consumer groups, insurance companies, and hospital-medical plans.
NO BILL SENT:VA (Veterans Administration) / CHAMPVA -No bill was sent to the person since the charges were paid by either the Veterans
Administration (VA), which provides medical services to veterans of the Armed Forces
(particularly those with service-connected disabilities) or The Civilian Health and
Medical Program of the Department of Veteran's Affairs (CHAMPVA), which provides
health coverage to dependents and survivors of disabled or deceased veterans.
NO BILL SENT:MILITARY FACILITY -No bill was sent to the person because care was obtained at a military hospital or clinic
located on a military base.
NO BILL SENT:PUBLIC ASSISTANCE/MEDICAID/SCHIP -The charges were paid by public assistance, Medicaid or a State Children’s Health
Insurance Program (SCHIP). Medicaid is a federally-assisted, state-administered
program that offers health benefits to low income persons on public assistance. The
program also may cover the aged, the blind, and the disabled who are in financial need.
Medicaid may be known by different names in different states.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a program which gives each state
permission to offer health insurance for children, up to age 19, who are not already
insured and for uninsured families with limited income and resources who earn too
much to qualify for Medicaid. SCHIP is a state administered program and may be
known by different names in different states.
NO BILL SENT:INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE –
No bill was sent because the person went to a provider employed by, or under contract
to, the Indian Health Service (IHS), the agency responsible for providing federal health
services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
NO BILL SENT:WORKER’S COMPENSATION -Worker’s compensation is a system, required by law, of compensating workers injured
or disabled in connection with work. The system establishes the liability of an employer
for injuries or sickness that arise over and in the course of employment. The liability is
created without regard to the fault or negligence of the employer. The benefits under
this system generally include hospital and other medical payments and compensation
for loss of income.
NO BILL SENT: PRIVATE HEALTH CENTER/CLINIC -No bill was sent because the care was provided by a school clinic, an employer clinic, or
some other private health center or clinic. Care received in these types of clinics are
6

usually provided as benefits to the recipient and the cost of the care is paid covered by
the school, employer, or private health center.
NO BILL SENT: PUBLIC CLINIC/HEALTH CENTER OR PRIVATE CHARITY -No bill was sent by the health care provider since the person went to a provider
providing health care at no charge. These providers can include community and migrant
health centers or Federally- qualified health centers, among others.
NO CHARGE:TELEPHONE CALL -No bill was sent by the health care provider because the provider does not charge for
consultation received over the telephone.
FREE FROM PROVIDER -The provider provided the services as a professional courtesy extended from one
provider to another or to family members or office staff. This can also include free
samples of medicine, or the donation of a provider’s services. This does not include
visits to public or ‘free’ clinics where the services are covered by public and/or private
funding sources. Such situations should be coded as ‘No Bill Sent: Public clinic/health
center or private charity’.
GOVERNMENT-FINANCED RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TRIALS -This includes all charges that were paid by the government or a research institute in
return for the person’s participation in medical research. The research may take the
form of clinical trials of an experimental medication, which are part of the government’s
medical approval process. The person’s participation does not necessarily involve a
specific health condition.
INCLUDED WITH OTHER CHARGES (E.G. FLAT FEE) -This normally applies to a ‘flat fee’ situation where the person is charged a ‘lump sum’
for a variety of services or a series of visits which relate to the same condition.
FLAT FEE -A situation where the person is charged a ‘lump sum’ for a variety of services or
a series of visits which relate to the same condition.
Item Number: CP120, CP140, CP150, FF130, FF140
Item Tag: CP1105, CP1110, CP1115, FF1110, FF1115
Blaise Name: EvpvKnowTotal, EvpvChrgTp, EvpvTotChrg, FFeeKnowTotal,
FFeeTotChrg
Help Tag: EvpvChrgHelp
WHAT MAKES UP TOTAL CHARGE -The total dollar amount asked (‘charged’) for a service by a health care provider. This
includes:
•

any amounts that are paid by health insurance or other sources, and
7

•

any charges for procedures such as x-rays, lab tests, or diagnostic procedures if
performed during the visit to the provider.

If the bill or statement lists charges for procedures such as x-rays, lab tests, or
diagnostic procedures separate from other charges for the visit and are not included in
the total charge, add those charges to the others to obtain one ‘total charge’ that
includes all charges that are associated with the visit. However, if the person has a
separate bill or statement for procedures, do not include those charges in the total
charge for the visit.
FLAT FEE –
A situation where the person is charged a ‘lump sum’ for a variety of services or a series
of visits which relate to the same condition.
Item Number: CP130
Item Tag: CP1107
Blaise Name: EvpvTotChrgRng
Help Tag: TotChrgHelp
WHAT MAKES UP TOTAL CHARGE -The total dollar amount asked (‘charged’) for a service by a health care provider. This
includes:
•
•

any amounts that are paid by health insurance or other sources; and
any charges for procedures such as x-rays, lab tests, or diagnostic procedures if
performed during the visit to the provider.

Item Number: CP170
Item Tag: CP1125
Blaise Name: EvpvSetAmt
Help Tag: EvpySetAmtHelp
SET AMOUNT -An amount a provider charges for a visit no matter what the specific services provided
during a particular visit were. A possible example of this are regular visits to a physical
therapist for treatment: the specific treatment may be different from visit to visit yet the
charge is always the same.
COPAYMENT -A fixed sum that a person pays for health services, regardless of the actual charge (the
insurer pays the rest of the actual charge). For example, the beneficiary may pay $10
for each office visit, $75 for each day in the hospital, and $5 for each drug prescription.
For the purposes of MEPS, paying $0 for every visit, regardless of the services,
isclassified as a copayment.
8

Item Number: CS380, CS400, CS420, CS440, CS460, CS500
Item Tag: CS1365, CS1375, CS1390, CS1400, CS1415, CS1440
Blaise Name: AdvHlthFood, AdvExer, AdvSafetySeat, AdvBooster, AdvBelts,
AdvSmoking
Help Tag: ADVICEYOUHelp
“ADVICE TO YOU” -“Advice to you” can mean advice given to anyone in the RU or a parent or guardian
outside of the RU on behalf of (PERSON) by any type of doctor or other health provider.
Include advice given in either written or verbal form.
A health provider could be a general doctor, a specialist doctor, a nurse practitioner, a
physician assistant, a nurse, or anyone else (PERSON) would see for health care.
Item Number: CS480
Item Tag: CS1430
Blaise Name: AdvHelmet
Help Tag: ADVICEHELMHelp
“ADVICE TO YOU (ABOUT HELMETS)” -“Advice to you” can mean advice given to anyone in the RU or a parent or guardian
outside of the RU on behalf of (PERSON) by any type of doctor or other health provider.
Include advice given in either written or verbal form.
A health provider could be a general doctor, a specialist doctor, a nurse practitioner, a
physician assistant, a nurse, or anyone else (PERSON) would see for health care.
In addition to advice given to you about (PERSON) using a helmet when riding a bicycle
or motorcycle, please also include advice given to you about children wearing helmets
when riding ATV’s, battery powered cars, on the back of an adult’s bicycle, or in jogging
strollers.

Item Number: EM10, EM20, EM30, EM40, EM300
Item Tag: EMA1010, EMA1015, EMA1020, EMA1025, EMA2190
Blaise Name: JobPay, AnyWork, ReturnJob, WorkMore1Job, EverWorked
Help Tag: JOBFORPAYHelp
JOB FOR PAY -Paid work for wages, salary, commission, or pay ‘in kind’. Examples of ‘pay in kind’
include meals, living quarters, or supplies provided in place of wages. This definition of
employment includes work in the person’s own business, professional practice, or farm,
paid leaves of absence (including vacations and illnesses), and work without pay in a
family business or farm run by a relative. This definition excludes unpaid volunteer work
(such as for a church or charity), unpaid leaves of absences, temporary layoffs (such as
a strike), and work around the house.
9

JOB -A definite arrangement for regular work every week or month, for pay or other
compensation (e.g., profits, anticipated profits, or pay in kind, such as room and board).
A job may also be a formal arrangement with one or more employers to work on a
continuing basis for a specified number of hours per week or days per month, but on an
irregular schedule during the specified week or month.
BUSINESS -A business exists when one or more of the following conditions are met:
1. Machinery or equipment of substantial value is in use in conducting business,
2. an office, store or other place of business is maintained, or
3. the business is advertised by listing in the classified section of the phone book,
displaying a sign, distributing cards or leaflets, or any other methods which
publicize that the work or service is offered to clients.
Item Number: EM540, EM620
Item Tag: EMA2765, EMA2830
Blaise Name: HoursWeekA, HoursWeekB
Help Tag: ACTUALHRSHelp
ACTUAL HOURS WORKED PER WEEK -The number of hours actually worked during a typical work week. Hours worked will
include overtime if the RU member worked overtime for most of the weeks during the
reference period. The actual hours worked is often not the same as the hours on which
the person’s salary is based. In this question, we want the actual hours spent working
on the job, whether the hours are paid or not. However, unpaid hours spent traveling to
and from work are never included in hours worked per week.
Item Number: EM610
Item Tag: EMA2820
Blaise Name: RetirePlan
Help Tag: RetirePlanHelp
PENSION/RETIREMENT PLAN -Employment benefit which provides income payments to employees upon their
retirement. Pension plans provide benefits to employees who have met specified
criteria, normally age and/or length of service requirements. The two main types of
pension plans are:
•
•

defined benefit plans: Retirees receive a fixed monthly payment from their
former employer, determined by years of service and average earnings.
defined contribution: Funds available to retirees are based on their own
contributions and any employer match made to an account such as a 401(k) or
403(b) plan during working years.
10

Item Number: EM660, EM670, HX21, RJ70, RJ80, RJ90
Item Tag: EMA2855, EMA2860, HX1036, RJ1110, RJ1115, RJ1120
Blaise Name: EmpHI, OffrdHIChoseNot, OffrdHIChoseNotHX, OffrdHINowTake,
NowOffrdTakeHI, OffrdHIThruJob
Help Tag: HLTHINSHelp
HEALTH INSURANCE -Health benefits coverage, paid in whole or in part by the employer, providing employees
with health-related benefits. Coverage may also include family members of the
employee. A health benefits plan may include the following: hospitalization, major
medical, surgical, prescriptions, dental, and vision.
Item Number: EM680, HX22
Item Tag: EMA2865, HX1037
Blaise Name: ChoicePlans, ChoicePlansHX_2
Help Tag: ChoicePlansHelp
CHOICE OF HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS -Many employers/establishments offer, instead of one basic plan, different types of
enrollments that attempt to tailor coverage to the needs of the employee. For each
enrollment type, there may be a different set of coverage provisions, a separate
premium rate, and a varying proportion of total cost assumed by the employer. Plans
may be called HMO, PPO, indemnity, high deductible, etc.
Item Number: EM700, EM710
Item Tag: EMA2885, EMA2890
Blaise Name: BelongUnion, WhoPrvdHI
Help Tag: UNIONHelp
LABOR UNION -An organization of wage or salary earners formed for the purpose of serving their
collective interests with respect to wages, working conditions, and benefits. Participation
in a labor union normally requires that the employee pay dues that may be directly
deducted from their gross wages or salary.
Item Number: EM750
Item Tag: EMA3045
Blaise Name: ResnNotWork
Help Tag: WORKREASHelp
COULD NOT FIND WORK -Unable to secure gainful employment while in an active job search.
RETIRED --

11

Voluntary termination of employment usually the result of reaching a specified age and
tenure. Also include situations in which the person is no longer seeking main
employment due to a retirement decision.
UNABLE TO WORK BECAUSE ILL/DISABLED -Inability to work due to impairments, or physical or mental health conditions. The
impairment or condition should be of such severity that it incapacitates the individual
and prevents him/her from doing any kind of gainful employment.
GOING TO SCHOOL -RU member is no longer employed in order to attend classes at any kind of public or
private school, including trade or vocational schools in which students receive no
compensation in money or kind or only minimal educational stipends (fellowship,
scholarship).
TAKING CARE OF HOME OR FAMILY -This answer category includes cases where an RU member ceases employment in
order to be in the household to take care of household duties, children, and/or spouse.
It also includes cases where an RU member may quit in order to be available to care for
another family member who is ill, either in the RU member’s home or elsewhere.
DON’T WANT TO WORK -Voluntarily out of the labor force because of a desire for time off.

Item Number: EM760
Item Tag: EMA3065
Blaise Name: WksWorked
Help Tag: WksWorkedHelp
WEEKS WORKED -If a person worked at least two and one-half days out of the week, count it as a full
week.
If the respondent reports working every week of the reference period, code ‘worked the
whole time’. Do not enter the total number of weeks into the field.
WORK FOR PAY -Paid work for wages, salary, commission, or pay ‘in kind’. Examples of ‘pay in kind’
include meals, living quarters, or supplies provided in place of wages. This definition of
employment includes work in the person’s own business, professional practice, or farm,
paid leaves of absence (including vacations and illnesses), and work without pay in a
family business or farm run by a relative. This definition excludes unpaid volunteer work
(such as for a church or charity), unpaid leaves of absences, temporary layoffs (such as
a strike), and work around the house.

12

Item Number: EM350, EM360, EM390, EM400_01, EM400_02, EM400_03
Item Tag: EMA2405, EMA2410, EMA2450, EMA2610, EMA2615, EMA2620
Blaise Name: EverRetire, NumRetired, JobIRoster, JobIStopYYYY, JobIStopMM,
JobIStopDD
Help Tag: RETIREDHelp
RETIRED -Voluntary termination of employment usually the result of reaching a specified age and
tenure. Also include situations in which the person is no longer seeking main
employment due to a retirement decision.
Item Number: EM450
Item Tag: EMA2690
Blaise Name: MoreLoctn
Help Tag: MoreLoctnHelp
MORE THAN ONE LOCATION -This question pertains to the establishment which directly employs (pays) the RU
member. A direct employer may have facilities at more than one location. However, if
the employer is a franchise of a national or international firm with only one location, then
the employer is considered not to have facilities in more than one location.
Item Number: EM460
Item Tag: EMA2695
Blaise Name: BusnIncorp
Help Tag: BusnIncorpHelp
INCORPORATED -Act which makes a business a taxable entity through establishment of a charter and the
satisfaction of all state and/or federal regulations. Incorporated businesses act through
its officers as a distinct entity, with by-laws and publicly or privately held stock.
Item Number: EM470
Item Tag: EMA2700
Blaise Name: ProprietPartner
Help Tag: ProprietPartnerHelp
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP -Unincorporated business owned by a single individual, needing only a business license
to operate.
PARTNERSHIP -Unincorporated business owned by two or more individuals, needing only a business
license to operate.
Item Number: EM480
13

Item Tag: EMA2705
Blaise Name: JobsEmpTp
Help Tag: JobsEmpTpHelp
PRIVATE COMPANY, INDIVIDUAL, OR ORGANIZATION -Employees of an organization whose operations are owned by private individuals and
not a governmental entity.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT -Federal employees include individuals working for any branch of the federal
government, as well as elected officials and civilian employees of the armed forces.
STATE GOVERNMENT -State employees include individuals working for agencies of state governments, as well
as paid state officials, the state police, and employees of state universities and colleges.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT -Local government employees include individuals employed by cities, towns, counties,
parishes, and other local areas, as well as employees of city-owned businesses, such
as electric power companies, water and sewer services, etc.
ARMED FORCES -Non-civilian members of any of the armed services of the federal government (Army,
Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines).
FOREIGN (NON U.S.) GOVERNMENT -Individuals who work for a government other than the U.S. This includes all levels of
government as long as it is non-U.S.
Do not use this answer category for individuals working at some level of non-foreign
government, but who work outside the boundaries of the U.S. For example, a person
working for the U.S. State Department in Africa.
Item Number: ER10
Item Tag: ER1010
Blaise Name: ERVstCat
Help Tag: ERVstCatHelp
The purpose of this question is to identify the best category of care the person received
during this visit to the emergency room. Code only one response.
DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT -Diagnosis is an examination or test to detect the presence of a disease or other physical
problem. Treatment is any procedure to counteract the effects of a disease or health
care problem.

14

An example of a visit for ‘diagnosis and treatment’ is a person who had a fever and a
sore throat: the provider diagnosed the condition as the flu, and recommended
treatment of bed rest and aspirin.
Even if the provider determines the person does not have a health condition or if the
provider is unable to determine what the problem is, the visit was for purposes of
diagnosis regardless of the outcome of the examination.
If the only care received during the visit was tests such as blood work or x-rays,
consider this ‘diagnosis or treatment for a health problem’ even if there is no known
condition. For example, if a woman has a baseline mammogram, this is considered
‘diagnosis’ even if no condition is suspected or discovered.
EMERGENCY (E.G., ACCIDENT OR INJURY) -Refers to immediate care intended to assess and address an acute problem that has
the patient in extreme discomfort or threatens his/her life.
PSYCHOTHERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING -A treatment technique for certain forms of mental disorders relying principally on verbal
communications between the mental health professional and the patient. Can be
individual, family, and/or group therapies. Include care provided by any type of health
professional so long as treatment is for mental health. Does not include visits with
clergy to discuss personal problems. Any other professional mental health therapist
such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, social worker, etc. would be included.
FOLLOW-UP OR POST-OPERATIVE VISIT -Includes visits to check on patient’s progress after some type of surgery or other
medical treatment. This includes visits to verify that patient has fully recovered, to
remove stitches or a cast, or to adjust medications.
IMMUNIZATIONS OR SHOTS -Immunizations are oral medications or shots given to the patient to prevent the patient
from contracting a communicable disease. Shots are hypodermic injections. This
category includes allergy shots.
PREGNANCY RELATED (INCLUDING PRENATAL CARE AND DELIVERY)-Consultations and examinations relating to pregnancy, i.e., prenatal (or before delivery)
and postnatal (or after delivery) care of the mother up to six weeks after childbirth.
This category also includes normal childbirth (delivery of the baby through the birth
canal) and cesarean section (surgical operation for delivering a baby by cutting through
the mother’s abdominal and uterine walls).
Item Number: ER40, HS70, OP70, MV80
Item Tag: ER1023, HS1030, OP1050, MV1055
Blaise Name: ERSurgProc, IPSurgProc, OPSurgProc, MVSurgProc
15

Help Tag: SurgProcHelp
OPERATIONS/SURGICAL PROCEDURES -Any procedure which involves cutting into the skin, including stitching of cuts and
wounds. For this question, surgery includes the following:
•
•
•
•

cutting of tissue or scraping of internal parts as in curettage of the uterus (e.g.,
abortions);
insertion of instruments in body openings for internal examination and treatment
such as bronchoscopy, proctoscopy, cystoscopy, cardiac catheterization (also
called angiography), laparoscopy, and introduction of tubes for drainage;
diagnostic biopsy including aspiration or needle biopsies; and
dental surgery.

Injections, transfusions and routine blood tests are not considered surgery here, nor are
pumping or washing out the stomach or bowels.
Item Number: EW10
Item Tag: EW1005
Blaise Name: Salaried
Help Tag: SalariedHelp
SALARIED -Salaried employees are paid to perform a job regardless of the number of hours
worked. These employees are not paid on an hourly basis and may not receive
compensation for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week. In essence, there is little to
no link between compensation and scheduled hours.
PAID BY THE HOUR -Method of payment in which earnings are paid for each hour worked. Each straighttime hour is paid at the same rate and the rate is not dependent on any measure of
straight-time hours worked.
PAID SOME OTHER WAY -Other means of payment for work include being paid on commission, paid with bonuses,
and payment by the day, piecework, job, or mile.
Item Number: EW20
Item Tag: EW1010
Blaise Name: HowPaid
Help Tag: HowPaidHelp
BY THE DAY -Method of payment where the period of employment for which wages are dispersed is
one working day. A common example is child day care where workers may be
compensated for each day worked (not on an hourly or yearly basis).
16

PIECEWORK -A method of incentive wage payment where earnings are based on a constant rate of
pay for each unit of output. For example, $3.50 for each garment produced.
COMMISSION -A method of incentive payment paid in addition to or in lieu of a base rate, based upon
business created or sales confirmed. The commission period and the base rate period
need not be of the same length. For example, the commission period could be monthly,
daily, or hourly.
BONUS -Special cash payments. Sometimes bonuses are given as a reward for an employee’s
production in excess of a quota or for completion of a job in less than a standard time
period. Bonuses may also be paid by the employer to those employees who meet
certain criteria (e.g., one year of continuous employment with the establishment) or they
may be lump sum payments to all employees (e.g., Christmas bonuses). Payments
may be graduated according to a worker’s length of service, position in the organization,
or a combination of these and other criteria.
BY THE JOB/MILE -Method of payment based on each mile driven or job completed.
Item Number: EW180
Item Tag: EW1110
Blaise Name: HrsSalaryBased
Help Tag: HrsSalaryHelp
HOURS WORKED PER WEEK (ON WHICH SALARY BASED) -The number of hours worked per week on which the person’s salary is based is often
not the same as the hours actually worked. In this question, we want the number of
hours on which the salary is based, regardless of how many actual hours the person
works during the week. Overtime hours should not be included. By definition, salaried
RU members are not compensated for overtime.
Item Number: EW230A, EW230B, EW230C
Item Tag: EW1155, EW1160, EW1165
Blaise Name: EarnTips, EarnBonus, EarnComm
Help Tag: EarnHelp
TIPS -Customer payment above amount owed, rendered as supplemental compensation for
an employee.
BONUSES --

17

Special cash payments. Sometimes bonuses are given as a reward for an employee’s
production in excess of a quota or for completion of a job in less than a standard time
period. Bonuses may also be paid by the employer to those employees who meet
certain criteria (e.g., one year of continuous employment with the establishment) or they
may be lump sum payments to all employees (e.g., Christmas bonuses). Payments
may be graduated according to a worker’s length of service, position in the organization,
or a combination of these and other criteria.
COMMISSIONS -A method of incentive payment paid in addition to or in lieu of a base rate, based upon
business created or sales confirmed. The commission period and the base rate period
need not be of the same length. For example, the commission period could be monthly,
daily, or hourly.
Item Number: HE10, HE30, HE40, HE60
Item Tag: HE1015, HE1040, HE1055, HE1080
Blaise Name: HelpPhone, HelpPhoneBillsHlth, HelpPersnlCare, HelpPersnlProb
Help Tag: IMPAIRMENTHelp
IMPAIRMENT -Examples include missing limbs, fingers or other body parts; partial paralysis from an
early case of polio, accident or war wound; stiff joints, deformed fingers or other
physical evidence of arthritis; and vision or hearing loss.
HELP/SUPERVISION -Help or supervision from another person includes a range of behaviors. The concept
encompasses:
•
•
•
•

personal assistance in physically doing the activity (including another person
doing the entire activity, such as bathing a person from head to toe);
instruction (guiding the person through the activity);
making sure the activity is done correctly, without harm; and
staying nearby in case the person needs help in the activity.

Item Number: HE70
Item Tag: HE1100
Blaise Name: HelpAids
Help Tag: HelpAidsHelp
AIDS/SPECIAL EQUIPMENT -In the phrase ‘aids or any other special equipment’, the key word is ‘special’. Special
equipment includes any device that is not used by the general population to perform a
specific activity. There are many kinds of special equipment:
•
•

mobile devices, such as motorized wheelchairs, canes and walkers;
special spoons, plate guards, or hand splints used to aid in feeding;
18

•
•
•
•
•

orthopedic shoes or braces;
stationary devices, such as railings and ramps;
computers or communication boards to assist speech;
TTY - telephones or telephone amplifiers for hearing impaired; and
bathroom rails or bars, bathing benches or chairs.

IMPAIRMENT -Examples include missing limbs, fingers or other body parts; partial paralysis from an
early case of polio, accident or war wound; stiff joints, deformed fingers or other
physical evidence of arthritis; and vision or hearing loss.
Item Number: HE90
Item Tag: HE1110
Blaise Name: HelpWalkClimb
Help Tag: HelpWalkHelp
IMPAIRMENT -Examples include missing limbs, fingers or other body parts; partial paralysis from an
early case of polio, accident or war wound; stiff joints, deformed fingers or other
physical evidence of arthritis; and vision or hearing loss.
Item Number: HE190
Item Tag: HE1180
Blaise Name: LmtWork
Help Tag: LmtWorkHelp
LIMITED ABILITY -Difficulties in performing a task independently. We are only interested in difficulties that
are associated with an impairment or a physical or mental health problem. Limited
activity ability (for example, work activity) means that a person cannot do the role as
long or in the same way as he/she did previous to the impairment or physical or mental
health problem, but still does it to some extent (as opposed to not being able to do it at
all).
IMPAIRMENT -Examples include missing limbs, fingers or other body parts; partial paralysis from an
early case of polio, accident or war wound; stiff joints, deformed fingers or other
physical evidence of arthritis; and vision or hearing loss.
Item Number: HE230
Item Tag: HE1215
Blaise Name: LmtSocial
Help Tag: LmtSocial
LIMITED IN PARTICIPATING –

19

Difficulties that limit the person’s ability to participate in the activities. We are only
interested in difficulties that are associated with an impairment or a physical or mental
health problem. Limited activity participation (for example, playing sports) means that a
person cannot do the activity as long or in the same way as he/she did previous to the
impairment or physical or mental health problem, but still does it to some extent (as
opposed to not being able to do it at all).
IMPAIRMENT -Examples include missing limbs, fingers or other body parts; partial paralysis from an
early case of polio, accident or war wound; stiff joints, deformed fingers or other physical
evidence of arthritis; and vision or hearing loss.

Item Number: HP10
Item Tag: HP1020
Blaise Name: SchHICovKind
Help Tag: SchHIHelp
GENERAL HEALTH COVERAGE -Health insurance that covers a broad range of health care services, including those
caused by illnesses, disease, etc., as well as, injuries and accidents.
Item Number: HP140, OE90, OE70
Item Tag: HP1145, OE1149, OE1147
Blaise Name: COBRAPlan, CovgContinCOBRA, OECOBRAPlan
Help Tag: COBRAHelp
COBRA -Insurance provided by a former employer. This is a federal law that allows persons
without any other group health insurance to continue their employment-related coverage
at group rates for 18 to 36 months after having left a job. However, the primary insured
person or policyholder usually has to pay the entire premium.
Item Number: HP160, HP180, OE100
Item Tag: HP1165, HP1175, OE1155
Blaise Name: CovdDepend, CovPersOutRU, OECovPersOutRU
Help Tag: CovdDependHelp
DEPENDENT -A person who is covered by an insurance policy purchased or obtained by another
individual (the policyholder).
Item Number: HS80
Item Tag: HS1035
Blaise Name: ICU
Help Tag: ICUHelp
20

ICU -An intensive care unit (ICU) is a specialized department used in many hospitals that
provides close monitoring, nursing, and medical care for critically ill patients. They are
characterized by continuous nursing and medical supervision and by the use of
sophisticated monitoring devices and resuscitative equipment. Include any unit
designated as intensive care such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Critical care unit (CCU)
Neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU)
Pediatric intensive-care unit (PICU)
Medical intensive-care unit (MICU)
Surgical intensive-care unit (SICU)
Burn or Trauma Intensive care Unit (TICU)

Item Number: HS90, ER60, OP90, MV110, CS10, PM50, PM90
Item Tag: HS1055, ER1035, OP1070, MV1080, CS1065, PM1080, PM1120
Blaise Name: IPPmed, ERPmed, OPPmed, MVPmed, NeedRxMed, PmedAsthma,
PmedAsNeeded
Help Tag: MEDPRESHelp
PRESCRIBED MEDICINE -Prescribed medicines are those ordered by a physician or other authorized medical
person through a written or verbal prescription for a pharmacist to fill. Prescription
medicines can also be given by a medical provider directly to a patient to take home,
such as free samples.
Prescription medicines do not include:
•
•
•
•

medicines administered to the patient during the event as part of the treatment
(such as an antibiotic shot for an infection, a flu shot, or a medicine taken orally);
diaphragms and IUDs (Intra-Uterine Devices);
prescriptions for eye glasses or contact lenses; or
over-the-counter medications that do not have a written prescription from a
doctor.

Some state laws require prescriptions for certain over-the-counter medicines.
Sometimes physicians write a prescription for over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin.
Therefore, consider any medicine a prescribed medicine if the respondent reports it as
prescribed. If it is an over-the-counter drug, however, the prescription must be a written
one to be filled by a pharmacist, not just an oral instruction. If in doubt, probe whether
the patient got a written prescription to fill at a pharmacy. If there is still any doubt,
report the medicine as a prescription medicine.
Item Number: PM160LU, PM170_01
Item Tag: PM1290, PM1310
21

Blaise Name: PharmRoster, PharmName
Help Tag: PharmRosterHelp
If your respondent reports that they filled a prescription outside of the United States, (for
example; Canada or Mexico), select ‘PROVIDER NOT FOUND’ on the provider look-up
screen. Then record any information they are able to provide in the pharmacy name and
address fields. When you reach the state look-up please select ‘Foreign Country’.
Item Number: HX30, HX50_01, HX60
Item Tag: HX1060, HX1075, HX1080
Blaise Name: AnyCareR25, WhoCareR1GE65, WhoCareR1LT65Roster
Help Tag: MEDICAREHelp
MEDICARE -A Federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and for certain persons
under 65 with long-term disabilities. Almost everyone with Social Security is covered by
Medicare.
Medicare consists of four parts, A, B, C, and D:
PART A Part A is called the Hospital Insurance Program. It helps pay for inpatient care in a
hospital or in a skilled nursing facility, and for hospice care. It is available to nearly
everyone 65 or older.
PART B Part B is called the Supplementary Medical Insurance Program. It helps pay for the
doctor and surgeon services, outpatient hospital services, medical equipment, and a
number of other medical services and supplies.
If a person chooses this additional insurance, the monthly premium is deducted from
his/her Social Security to obtain coverage for Part B of Medicare.
PART C Part C encompasses the Medicare Advantage plans. A Medicare Advantage Plan (like
an HMO or PPO) is a health plan choice available as part of Medicare. Medicare
Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private
companies approved by Medicare. The plan provides all of a person’s Part A (Hospital
Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.
PART D Medicare Part D coverage, also referred to as Medicare prescription drug coverage, is
insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating
pharmacies. Everyone with Medicare can choose this additional coverage, regardless of
income and resources, health status, or current prescription expenses.

22

Item Number: HX70, HX240
Item Tag: HX1105, HX1335
Blaise Name: CareDisab, VerfCareDisab
Help Tag: CareDisabHelp
The purpose of this question is to distinguish between persons that receive Medicare
because they are over 65 and persons who receive Medicare due to a condition or
disability. If the person you are asking about receives Medicare because of a medical
condition or disability, code ‘1’ (Yes).
CONDITION -A condition is a physical or mental health problem that can be identified by a health care
professional by examining you and by using tests.
DISABILITY -An inability to work or carry out roles that individuals are generally expected to be able
to do because of limitations in physical or mental functioning caused by impairments, or
physical or mental health conditions.
Item Number: HX80, IN380
Item Tag: HX1110, IN1310
Blaise Name: RcvSocSec, AmtSocSec
Help Tag: RcvSocSecHelp
SOCIAL SECURITY -Social Security is also known as the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance
program (OASDI), in reference to its three parts:
1. RETIREMENT BENEFITS –
The amount of the monthly benefit depends upon previous earnings and upon the
age at which the person chooses to begin receiving benefits. The earliest age at
which benefits are payable is 62.
2. DISABILITY –
A person who has worked long enough and recently enough to be covered can
receive benefits upon becoming totally disabled, regardless of his or her age. The
person must be unable to continue in his or her previous job and unable to adjust to
other work; furthermore, the disability must be long-term (lasting or expected to last
for at least one year or to result in death). The amount of the disability benefit
payable depends on the person's age and previous earnings.
3. SURVIVORS' BENEFITS –
If a worker covered by Social Security dies, a surviving spouse or children can
receive survivors' benefits. Sometimes, survivors' benefits are available to a
divorced spouse. Children cannot receive survivors' benefits after age 19 unless the
child was disabled before age 22.
23

Item Number: HX90, PR150_01, PR160_01
Item Tag: HX1130, PR1115, PR1125
Blaise Name: AnyCaid, ConfCaid, OthMmbCaid
Help Tag: MEDICATHelp
MEDICAID/SCHIP -Since respondents often confuse Medicaid and Medicare, stress to the respondent that
for this question s/he should consider Medicaid or the State Children’s health Insurance
Program (SCHIP).
Medicaid is often known by different names in different states, and is a Federallyassisted State-administered program. This program offers health benefits to low income
persons on public assistance and, in some states, to those deemed medically needy
because their incomes are only slightly above public assistance standards or because
they have incurred substantial medical bills.
Most SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients are covered by Medicaid, as are
most TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients and their
dependents. The aged, the blind, and the disabled who are in financial need are also
eligible for Medicaid.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a program which gives each state
permission to offer health insurance for children, up to age 19, who are not already
insured and for uninsured families with limited income and resources who earn too
much to qualify for Medicaid. SCHIP is a state administered program and may be
known by different names in different states.
Item Number: HX150, PR310_01, PR320_01
Item Tag: HX1235, PR1270, PR1280
Blaise Name: AnyGovProg, ConfGovProg, OthMmbGovProg
Help Tag: INSTYPESHelp
INSURANCE TYPES TO INCLUDE -Any health insurance that is fully or partially paid for by state funds (state sponsored)
which provides hospital and physician benefits. This does not include Medicaid or
SCHIP (which should be recorded at the Medicaid/SCHIP question) nor does it include
plans which do not provide hospital and physician benefits.
Item Number: HX390, PR10
Item Tag: HX1510, PR1025
Blaise Name: CareMAMC, MAMCPlan
Help Tag: CAREMANAGEHelp
MEDICARE MANAGED CARE --

24

Medicare managed care plans are available in some areas of the country. In most
managed care plans, you can only go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals on the plan’s
list. Plans must cover all services covered by Medicare. Some managed care plans
cover extras.
Item Number: HX420, HX480, HX560, HX660, PR40, PR100, PR210, PR370, OE170
Item Tag: HX1525, HX1560, HX1620, HX1740, PR1040, PR1075, PR1165, PR1320,
OE1245
Blaise Name: CarePayPrem, PayPartD, GovPayPrem, FamPayPrem,
MAMCPayPrem, MAMCPayPartD, CaidPayPrem, GovProgPayPrem,
OEFamPayPrem
Help Tag: PREMPAYHelp
PREMIUM -A payment required in exchange for insurance policy coverage for a specific period of
time.
COPAYMENT -A fixed sum that a beneficiary pays for health services, regardless of the actual charge
(the insurer pays the rest of the actual charge). For example, the beneficiary may pay
$10 for each office visit, $75 for each day in the hospital, and $5 for each drug
prescription.
COINSURANCE -Similar to a co-payment except that it is defined as a percent of the total charges for the
health care service. For example, a beneficiary may pay 20% of charges for a visit to
the doctor or 10% of charges for a hospital stay.
DEDUCTIBLE -The amount of money an insured person must pay ‘at the front end’ before the insurer
will pay. For example, if you have a plan with a $100 deductible, you would be
responsible for the first $100 of your health care bills.
Item Number: HX470, PR90
Item Tag: HX1555, PR1070
Blaise Name: CarePartD, MAMCPartD
Help Tag: PartDHelp
MEDICARE PART D –
Medicare Part D coverage, also referred to as Medicare prescription drug coverage, is
insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating
pharmacies. Everyone with Medicare can choose this additional coverage, regardless of
income and resources, health status, or current prescription expenses.
Item Number: HX530, MC10, PR180, PR340
Item Tag: HX1605, MC1015, PR1145, PR1300
25

Blaise Name: GovHMO, HMOPlan, CaidHMO, GovProgHMO
Help Tag: HMOHelp
HMO (HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION) -HMOs are organizations that have responsibility for providing comprehensive health
care services in exchange for fixed periodic payment. With an HMO, a person must
generally receive their care from HMO physicians; otherwise the expense is not covered
unless the person was referred by the HMO or there was a medical emergency. With
an HMO, the cost of a visit is typically covered in full or you have to pay a fixed amount
of money per visit. HMOs can be sponsored by the government, medical schools,
hospitals, employers, labor unions, consumer groups, insurance companies, and
hospital-medical plans.
Item Number: HX540, PR190, PR350
Item Tag: HX1610, PR1150, PR1305
Blaise Name: GovPrimaryMD, CaidPrimaryMD, GovProgPrimaryMD
Help Tag: PROGDRHelp
PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR -A primary care doctor or provider is the person or place an individual would go to if they
had a new health problem, needed preventive health care, or needed a referral to a
specialist.
Examples of primary care providers include general practitioners, family practitioners,
pediatricians, internists, and some nurses and nurse practitioners who make decisions
regarding patient care.
ROUTINE CARE -Health care that is considered usual and customary; that is, care that is not for an
emergency and not received from a specialist that a person was referred to. Routine
care usually consists of the initial diagnosis and treatment of medical problems,
preventive health care, etc.
Item Number: HX610, HX650, OE160, PR420
Item Tag: HX1665, HX1725, OE1225, PR1360
Blaise Name: GovMetalPlan, HospMetaPlan, MetalPlan, GovProgMetalPlan
Help Tag: METALPLANSHelp
METAL PLANS -There are four types of health insurance plans available through the marketplace. They
are Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum health insurance plans. They are sometimes
referred to as "metal plans".
The metal level corresponds to the average percentage of essential health care
expenses that the plan will pay. On average, Bronze will cover 60%, Silver 70%, Gold
80% and Platinum 90% of essential health care expenses. This isn't the same as
26

coinsurance, in which you pay a specific percentage of the cost of a specific service.
The higher the metal level (i.e. Gold and Platinum), the more the plan will pay towards
your health care expenses and, therefore, the lower your out-of-pocket costs for things
such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
To qualify for a catastrophic plan, you must be under 30 years old or get a "hardship
exemption" because the Marketplace determined that you’re unable to afford health
coverage. Catastrophic health plans have a low premium but very high out-of-pocket
costs.
Item Number: HX620, OE130
Item Tag: HX1680, OE1175
Blaise Name: CodeAllHICovg, CodeAllOEHICovg
Help Tag: CodeAllHICovgHelp
HOSPITAL AND PHYSICIAN BENEFITS (INC. COVERAGE THROUGH AN HMO) -This category represents insurance plans that cover beneficiaries for health care
services received from hospitals and physicians. Do not include dental insurance, vision
insurance, etc.
DENTAL -This type of insurance covers the costs of specified aspects of dental care, ranging from
coverage of basic diagnostic, preventive, and restorative services to coverage that
includes oral surgery and orthodontics.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS -Insurance that provides coverage for prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are those
ordered by a physician or other authorized medical person through written or verbal
prescription for a pharmacist to fill.
VISION -Insurance that provides coverage for ophthalmologist, optometrist and/or optician
appointments, glasses, contact lenses, or other vision corrections.
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT/MEDIGAP -Private insurance products that supplement Medicare insurance benefits.
LONG-TERM CARE IN A NURSING HOME -Refers to an insurance policy that pays only for a nursing home or other long-term care.
Long term care does not include living in a ‘life care center’ even though long term care
may be available as part of the living arrangement. If the respondent mentions a ‘life
care center’ as a policy, record that information using the code ‘91’ (Other) and record
the name ‘life care center’ on the ‘Specify’ line. This study does not consider this
coverage to be health insurance.

27

EXTRA CASH FOR HOSPITAL STAYS -These plans pay a specified amount of cash for each day or week that a person is
hospitalized. The cash payment is not related in any way to the person’s hospital or
medical bills, and can be used for purposes other than paying medical expenses. For
example, the extra cash can be used to pay for child care when a parent is ill or to
replace income from lost work. This study does not consider this coverage to be health
insurance.
SERIOUS DISEASE OR DREAD DISEASE -These plans are limited to only certain types of illnesses such as cancer, stroke, or
heart attacks. This study does not consider this coverage to be health insurance.
DISABILITY –
This kind of insurance pays all or part of an employee’s salary (and possibly medical
care costs) if the employee becomes unable to work due to physical or mental disability.
The study does not consider this coverage to be health insurance.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION -A system, required by law, of compensating workers injured or disabled in connection
with work. This system establishes the liability of an employer for injuries or sickness
that arise over and in the course of employment. The liability is created without regard
to the fault or negligence of the employer. The benefits under this system generally
include hospital and other medical payments and compensation for loss of income. This
study does not consider this coverage to be health insurance.
ACCIDENT -Pays for medical services related to injuries of accidental nature. Since the coverage is
limited to accidents, such as car accidents, the study does not consider this coverage to
be health insurance.
Item Number: HX630, HX640
Item Tag: HX1695, HX1705
Blaise Name: MedigapName, HospHIName
Help Tag: InsHMOHelp
INSURANCE COMPANY -A corporation primarily engaged in the business of furnishing insurance protection for
the public.
HMO (HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION) -HMOs are organizations that have responsibility for providing comprehensive health
care services in exchange for fixed periodic payment. With an HMO, a person must
generally receive their care from HMO physicians; otherwise the expense is not covered
unless the person was referred by the HMO or there was a medical emergency. With
an HMO, the cost of a visit is typically covered in full or you have to pay a fixed amount
of money per visit.
28

HMOs can be sponsored by the government, medical schools, hospitals, employers,
labor unions, consumer groups, insurance companies, and hospital-medical plans.
Item Number: HX700, OE210
Item Tag: HX1785, OE1290
Blaise Name: AnnDeductAmt, OEAnnDeductAmt
Help Tag: ANNDEDCTHelp
ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE -The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered health services in a calendar year
before the insurance company begins to pay for your health care costs.
This is different from the yearly out-of-pocket maximum which is the highest amount
your health insurance company requires you to pay towards the cost of your health
care.
Item Number: HX710, OE220
Item Tag: HX1790, OE1295
Blaise Name: PlanHasHSA, OEPlanHasHSA
Help Tag: HSAHelp
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAs) -An account that is used to pay for medical expenses not covered by one’s insurance
plan. HSAs require a companion high deductible insurance policy. Contributions are
made into the account by the individual or the individual's employer. The contributions
are invested over time and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
HSAs are different from Flexible Spending Accounts in that HSA balances can roll over
from year to year and money in a Flexible Spending Account must be spent by the end
of the plan year or you lose it. A Flexible Spending Account can only be opened when
offered by your employer, and you do not need to have a high-deductible health
insurance plan or any type of health insurance plan.
HRA plans are differ from HSAs only in that plans must be solely funded by the
employer and cannot be funded by employee salary reduction. HRA’s are most
commonly offered in conjunction with a High Deductible Health Plan.
Do not include participation in a Medicare Medical Savings Account which is associated
with a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Item Number: IN20, IN30
Item Tag: IN1030, IN1035
Blaise Name: FiledTax, WillFileTax
Help Tag: TAXRETHelp

29

TAX RETURN -A form on which taxable income is reported and tax is computed. The form is then sent
to the appropriate level of the government (e.g., state, federal, etc.). Tax returns can be
submitted to the government on paper or electronically by computer or telephone.
Item Number: IN40
Item Tag: IN1040
Blaise Name: FileStatus
Help Tag: FileStatusHelp
SINGLE -A tax filing status that can be used by anyone who was never married, legally
separated, or widowed and not remarried as of December 31st of the tax year. Reports
taxable income of one tax filer.
MARRIED FILING JOINT RETURN -A tax filing status that can be used by anyone who was married as of December 31st of
the tax year (even if person is not living with the spouse at the end of the tax year) or
whose spouse died between January 1st of the tax year and April 31st of the following
year and the person did not remarry. Reports taxable income of two tax filers: a
husband and wife.
MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY -A tax filing status that can be used by anyone who meets the criteria for ‘married filing
joint return,’ however, the tax return reports the taxable income of one tax filer: either
the husband or the wife.
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD WITH QUALIFYING PERSON -A tax filing status that can be used by anyone who is unmarried and who paid over half
of the cost of keeping up a home that was the main home for all of the tax year for any
of the following people:
•
•
•
•
•

the person’s parent(s); or
the person’s unmarried child, adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, etc. (the child
does not have to be a dependent); or
the person’s married child, adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, etc. (the child
must be a dependent); or
the person’s foster child (the child must be a dependent); or
any other of the person’s relatives who is a dependent.

This filing status can also be used by someone who is married and who is legally
separated from his/her spouse in the tax year and who:
•
•
•

has lived apart from his/her spouse for the last six months of the tax year, and
files a separate return from his/her spouse, and
paid over half of the cost of keeping up his/her home during the tax year, and
30

•
•

provided his/her home as the main home of his/her child, adopted child,
stepchild, or foster child for more than half of the tax year, and
claimed this child as his/her dependent.

Reports taxable income of one tax filer.
QUALIFYING WIDOW(ER) WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN -A tax filing status that can be used by anyone whose spouse died in either of the two
years previous to the tax year and the person has not remarried in the tax year and
who:
•
•
•
•

has a child, adopted child, stepchild, or foster child who he/she can claim as a
dependent, and
the child lived in the person’s home for all of the tax year, and
paid over half the cost of keeping up his/her home; and
could have filed a joint return with his/her spouse the year the spouse died, even
if he/she didn’t actually do so.

Item Number: IN50
Item Tag: IN045
Blaise Name: JointFiler
Help Tag: JointFilerHelp
FILING JOINTLY -When the person files his/her tax return under the tax filing status of ‘married filing joint
return.’ This tax filing status can be used by anyone who was married as of December
31st of the tax year (even if person was not living with the spouse at the end of the tax
year) or whose spouse died between January 1st of the tax year and April 31st of the
following year and the person did not remarry. Reports taxable income of two tax filers:
a husband and wife.
Item Number: IN90
Item Tag: IN1125
Blaise Name: AmtWage
Help Tag: AmtWageHelp
AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE (FOR WAGES OR SALARY, TIPS, COMMISSIONS, OR
BONUSES) –
This includes all income from wages, salary, commissions, and bonuses and is shown
in Box 2 of the tax filer’s W-2 form. Tips, scholarships, fellowship grants, and
dependent care benefits should also be included.
Item Number: IN130
Item Tag: IN1145
Blaise Name: AmtInt
Help Tag: AmtIntHelp
31

AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE (FOR INTEREST FROM SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, BONDS,
NOW ACCOUNTS, MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS, OR SIMILAR TYPES OF
INVESTMENTS) -Include interest income from seller-financed mortgages, banks, savings and loan
associations, money market certificates, credit unions, savings bonds, etc. These
amounts can be found on forms 1099-INT or 1099-OID.
Item Number: IN150
Item Tag: IN1155
Blaise Name: AmtDivd
Help Tag: AmtDivdHelp
DIVIDENDS -Money that is divided among stockholders, creditors, members of a cooperative, etc.
These amounts can be found on form 1099-DIV.
Item Number: IN170
Item Tag: IN1180
Blaise Name: AmtAlim
Help Tag: AmtAlimHelp
ALIMONY -An allowance that the court orders paid to a person by his/her spouse or former spouse
after a legal separation or divorce or while legal action is pending.
Item Number: IN190
Item Tag: IN1190
Blaise Name: AmtBusn
Help Tag: AmtBusnHelp
AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE (FOR EARNINGS OR LOSS FROM OWN FARM) -Include income or loss associated with being the sole proprietor of a farm. Farm
business costs and expenses are deductible from farm gross business receipts in
arriving at farm net profit or loss. Gains and losses from these sources are calculated on
Schedule F.
AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE (FOR NON-FARM BUSINESS OR PRACTICE) -Include income or loss associated with being the sole proprietor of a non-farm business,
including self-employed members of a profession. Business costs and expenses are
deductible from gross receipts or gross sales in arriving at net profit or loss.
Compensation of the sole proprietor is taxable income and, therefore, not allowed as a
business deduction in computing net income. The net gain or loss is computed on
Schedule C or C-EZ.
Item Number: IN240
32

Item Tag: IN1225
Blaise Name: AmtSale
Help Tag: AmtSaleHelp
AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE (FOR NET GAIN/LOSS FROM SALE OF PROPERTY OR
OTHER ASSETS) -Both sales of capital and non-capital assets are to be included. In general, capital
assets for tax purposes include all property held for personal use or investment.
Examples of such assets are personal residences, furniture, automobiles, and stocks
and bonds. Net gains or losses from the sale of capital assets are reported on Schedule
D. Net capital gains also include capital gain distributions reported directly on Form
1040 if the tax filer did not have other gains or losses to report on Schedule D. Property
other than capital assets generally includes property of a business nature, and net gains
or losses from the sale of such assets is reported on Form 9747.
Item Number: IN280
Item Tag: IN1250
Blaise Name: AmtRetir
Help Tag: AmtRetirHelp
IRA (INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT) -An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, is a personal retirement plan whereby a
limited amount of annual earnings may be invested, as in mutual funds or a savings
account, with the investment money and its earnings being tax-free until retirement.
Payments from these accounts must be reported on the tax filer’s income tax return.
Payments include regular distributions, early distributions, rollovers, and any other
money or property the person received from his/her IRA account or annuity. These
amounts can be found on form 1099-R.
KEOGH ACCOUNT -A retirement plan for self-employed persons and certain groups of employees whereby
a limited amount of annual earnings may be invested, as in mutual funds or a savings
account, with the invested money and its earnings being tax-free until retirement.
These amounts can be found on form 1099-R.
401K -A 401(k) is an optional retirement plan supported by many companies. This money is
taken out and invested before the employee’s paycheck is taxed. The plan is set up by
a qualified employer with the primary contributions being deposited by the employee.
Often there is a company matching plan where they will also contribute a percentage of
the money the employee contributed. While the 401(k) continues to grow, taxes will not
be paid on it. When the employee withdraws the money at retirement, he/she will be
taxed on the amount in the account. There is a penalty to remove the money prior to
retirement age; however, many plans allow the employee to borrow money using the
plan as collateral or remove the money without penalty in certain emergencies. These
amounts can be found on form 1099-R.
33

Item Number: IN300
Item Tag: IN1260
Blaise Name: AmtPension
Help Tag: AmtPensionHelp
AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE (FOR PRIVATE PENSIONS, MILITARY RETIREMENT,
OTHER FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PENSIONS, STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PENSIONS OR ANNUITIES) -Payments from pensions and annuities, including payments (distributions) from
retirement plans, life insurance annuity contracts, profit-sharing plans, employee
savings plans, disability pensions received after the tax filer has reached the minimum
retirement age set by his/her employer.
Item Number: IN320
Item Tag: IN1275
Blaise Name: AmtTrust
Help Tag: AmtTrustHelp
AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE (NET GAIN OR LOSS FROM ESTATES OR TRUSTS,
PARTNERSHIPS, S CORPORATIONS, ROYALTIES, OR RENTAL INCOME) –
Gains and losses from these sources are calculated on Schedule E.
ESTATE OR TRUST -Include income that was the beneficiaries’ share of fiduciary income from any estate or
trust, for example, income required to be distributed, amounts credited to beneficiaries’
accounts from fiduciary income, and any “accumulation distribution” made by the
fiduciary of a “complex trust” for income accumulated in prior tax years.
PARTNERSHIP OR S CORPORATION -Since partnerships and S corporations are not taxable entities, their net profit or loss is
taxed, in general, directly to the members of the partnership or shareholders in the S
corporation. This income includes the taxpayer’s share of the ordinary gain or loss of
the enterprise and certain payments made to the taxpayer for the use of capital or as a
salary.
RENTAL INCOME -Income or loss less amounts for depreciation, repairs, improvements and other
allowable expenses related to the rented property.
ROYALTIES -Income from oil, gas and other mineral rights, patents, and literary, musical or artistic
works.
Item Number: IN360
Item Tag: IN1300
34

Blaise Name: AmtUnemp
Help Tag: AmtUnempHelp
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION -Payments made by a State government to a person who is unemployed. Payments are
usually at regular intervals and over a fixed period of time. These amounts can be
found on form 1099-G.
Item Number: IN400
Item Tag: IN1325
Blaise Name: WrkrComp
Help Tag: WrkrCompHelp
WORKER’S COMPENSATION -A system, required by law, of compensating workers injured or disabled in connection
with work. This system establishes the liability of an employer for injuries or sickness
that arise over and in the course of employment. The liability is created without regard
to the fault or negligence of the employer. The benefits under this system generally
include hospital and other medical payments and compensation for loss of income.
Item Number: IN440
Item Tag: IN1360
Blaise Name: SSI
Help Tag: SSIHelp
S.S.I. (SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME) -Also known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), this federal program provides
monthly cash payments in accordance with uniform, nationwide eligibility requirements
to persons of all ages who are blind, disabled, or both needy and 65 years or older.
Item Number: IN490
Item Tag: IN1410
Blaise Name: PubAssist
Help Tag: PubAssistHelp
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE -Public assistance payments include assistance payments made to low-income persons,
such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and general assistance.
Item Number: IN560
Item Tag: IN1460
Blaise Name: ChSuprt
Help Tag: ChSuprtHelp
CHILD SUPPORT--

35

Payments that the court orders a parent to pay to cover the cost of the care of a child
who is not living with the parent making the payment.
Item Number: IN570
Item Tag: IN1465
Blaise Name: WhoChSuprt
Help Tag: WhoChSuprtHelp
WHO TO INCLUDE (FOR RECEIVING CHILD SUPPORT) -Any/all members of RU are eligible to receive child support. Child support are
payments that the court orders a parent to pay to cover the cost of the care of a child
who is not living with the parent making the payment.
Item Number: IN610
Item Tag: IN1500
Blaise Name: VetPymt
Help Tag: VetPymtHelp
VETERAN’S PAYMENTS -Veterans’ payments include payments made periodically by the Department of Veterans
Affairs to disabled members of the Armed Forces or to survivors of deceased veterans
for education and on-the-job training, and means-tested assistance to veterans.
Item Number: IN650
Item Tag: IN1535
Blaise Name: Cash
Help Tag: CashHelp
REGULAR CASH CONTRIBUTIONS -Include periodic payments from non-household members. Gifts or sporadic assistance
from persons outside the household are not included.
HOUSEHOLD -The household is all of the family members who are currently living in the RU being
interviewed.
Item Number: IN700
Item Tag: IN1575
Blaise Name: FoodStmp
Help Tag: FoodStmpHelp
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) –SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) enables eligible low-income
households to buy nutritious food with electronic benefits they can use like a
debit card to purchase food at stores authorized by USDA.

36

Item Number: IN730, IN740
Item Tag: IN1595, IN1605
Blaise Name: OthInco, OthIncoSrc
Help Tag: OthIncoHelp
WAGES -Money paid by an employer for each hour the person works. Hours worked beyond 40
hours a week might be compensated at a higher rate than regular hours. There is a
direct link between compensation and hours worked.
SALARY -Money paid by an employer for the performance of a job, regardless of how many hours
are worked. The workers are not paid on an hourly basis and might not receive
compensation for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week. In essence, there is little or
no link between compensation and hours worked.
FARM INCOME (OR LOSS) -Include income or loss associated with being the sole proprietor of a farm. Farm
business costs and expenses are deductible from farm gross business receipts in
arriving at farm net profit or loss. Gains and losses from these sources are calculated on
Schedule F.
BUSINESS INCOME (OR LOSS) -Include income or loss associated with being the sole proprietor of a non-farm business,
including self-employed members of a profession. Business costs and expenses are
deductible from gross receipts or gross sales in arriving at net profit or loss.
Compensation of the sole proprietor is taxable income and, therefore, not allowed as a
business deduction in computing net income. The net gain or loss is computed on
Schedule C or C-EZ.
SOCIAL SECURITY -Social Security is also known as the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance
program (OASDI), in reference to its three parts:
1. RETIREMENT BENEFITS –
The amount of the monthly benefit depends upon previous earnings and upon the
age at which the person chooses to begin receiving benefits. The earliest age at
which benefits are payable is 62.
2. DISABILITY –
A person who has worked long enough and recently enough to be covered can
receive benefits upon becoming totally disabled, regardless of his or her age. The
person must be unable to continue in his or her previous job and unable to adjust to
other work; furthermore, the disability must be long-term (lasting or expected to last
for at least one year or to result in death). The amount of the disability benefit
payable depends on the person's age and previous earnings.
37

3. SURVIVORS' BENEFITS –
If a worker covered by Social Security dies, a surviving spouse or children can
receive survivors' benefits. Sometimes, survivors' benefits are available to a
divorced spouse. Children cannot receive survivors' benefits after age 19 unless the
child was disabled before age 22.
RAILROAD RETIREMENT -A federally legislated program which provides retirement, disability, and survivor
annuities to workers whose employment was connected with the railroad industry for at
least 10 years. The system provides for close coordination with the Social Security
system. Benefits are financed through a combination of employee, employer, and
Federal Government contributions.
PRIVATE, MILITARY, OR GOVERNMENT PENSIONS -Pensions are employee benefits which provide income payments to employees upon
their retirement. Pensions provide benefits to employees who have met specified
criteria, normally age and/or length of service requirements. Pensions can be paid by
various employers including private companies, the military, or any level of the
government.
INTEREST -Money paid to a person as compensation for the use of his/her money that is held in
seller-financed mortgages, banks, savings and loan associations, money market
certificates, credit unions, savings bonds, etc.
DIVIDENDS -Money that is divided among stockholders, creditors, members of a cooperative, etc.
RENTAL INCOME (OR LOSS) -Income or loss less amounts for depreciation, repairs, improvements and other
allowable expenses related to the rented property.
Item Number: MV50, OP40
Item Tag: MV1040, OP1030
Blaise Name: MVVstCat, OPVstCat
Help Tag: VSTCTGRYHelp
GENERAL CHECKUP -A visit to determine the general state of a person’s health. Includes physical
examinations required to obtain employment, for college entrance, to obtain insurance,
periodic (yearly) general checkups, visits to the well-baby clinic, etc. Not included are
visits for a checkup or examination for a specific condition such as TB or a heart
condition.
DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT FOR A HEALTH PROBLEM -38

Diagnosis is an examination or test to detect the presence of a disease or other physical
problem. Treatment is any procedure to counteract the effects of a disease or health
care problem.
An example of a visit for ‘diagnosis and treatment’ is a person who had a fever and a
sore throat: the provider diagnosed the condition as the flu, and recommended
treatment of bed rest and aspirin.
Even if the provider determines a person in fact does not have a health condition, the
visit was for purposes of diagnosis regardless of the outcome of the examination.
If the only care received during the visit was tests such as blood work or x-rays,
consider this ‘diagnosis or treatment for a health problem’ even if there is no known
condition. For example, if a woman has a baseline mammogram, this is considered
‘diagnosis’ even if no condition is suspected or discovered.
EMERGENCY (E.G., ACCIDENT OR INJURY) -Refers to immediate care intended to assess and address an acute problem that has
the patient in extreme discomfort or threatens his/her life.
PSYCHOTHERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING -A treatment technique for certain forms of mental disorders relying principally on verbal
communications between the mental health professional and the patient. Can be
individual, family, and/or group therapies. Include care provided by any type of health
professional so long as treatment is for mental health. Does not include visits with clergy
to discuss personal problems. Any other professional mental health therapist such as a
psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, social worker, etc. would be included.
FOLLOW-UP OR POST-OPERATIVE VISIT -Includes visits to check on patient’s progress after some type of surgery or other
medical treatment. This includes visits to verify that patient has fully recovered, to
remove stitches or a cast, or to adjust medications.
IMMUNIZATIONS OR SHOTS -Immunizations are oral medications or shots given to the patient to prevent the patient
from contracting a communicable disease. Shots are hypodermic injections. This
category includes allergy shots.
VISION EXAM -A test of the patient’s eyesight, either to determine whether any correction by
glasses/contact lenses is needed, or to determine if a different degree of correction is
needed.
PREGNANCY RELATED (INCLUDING PRENATAL CARE AND DELIVERY)-Consultations and examinations relating to pregnancy, i.e., prenatal (or before delivery)
and postnatal (or after delivery) care of the mother up to six weeks after childbirth.
39

This category also includes normal childbirth (delivery of the baby through the birth
canal) and cesarean section (surgical operation for delivering a baby by cutting through
the mother’s abdominal and uterine walls).
WELL CHILD EXAM -One of a series of routine examinations of an infant given to monitor the infant’s growth
and development. If an infant goes only for an immunization, code as ‘immunization or
shots’. If the immunization is part of a well-child visit, code as ‘well child exam’. This
term applies not just to infants, but toddlers, preschoolers and children through the age
of six.
LASER EYE SURGERY—
A surgery condition to correct some eye-related conditions, such as nearsightedness,
farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear
front part of the eye. There are different types of laser eye surgery. LASIK is one of the
most common. For many people, laser eye surgery can correct their vision so they no
longer need glasses or contact lenses. PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASICK are other types of
laser eye surgery.
Item Number: PE30E
Item Tag: PE1050
Blaise Name: DxOthHeartCond
Help Tag: DxOthHeartHelp
OTHER TYPES OF HEART CONDITIONS TO INCLUDE -If ‘coronary heart disease’, ‘angina’, ‘heart attack’, or ‘myocardial infarction’ are
mentioned, back up to PE30B, PE30C, or PE30D, as appropriate.
Include any other types of heart conditions or diseases affecting the person during his or her
lifetime. This includes, but is not limited to, congenital heart diseases, heart murmurs, irregular
heartbeat, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, inflammatory heart disease, and valvular heart disease.

Item Number: PE30F
Item Tag: PE1055
Blaise Name: DxStroke
Help Tag: DxStrokeHelp
TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK –
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an episode that occurs when the blood supply to part
of the brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur suddenly, are similar
to those of stroke but do not last as long. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an
hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours. Symptoms can include muscle
weakness, numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, swallowing, and memory
loss among others. A TIA is often considered a warning sign that a true stroke may
happen in the future if something is not done to prevent it.
40

Item Number: PE30G
Item Tag: PE1060
Blaise Name: DxEmphysema
Help Tag: DxEmphysemaHelp
EMPHYSEMA –
Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease in which the air sacs in the lungs become
damaged. Its primary symptom is progressive shortness of breath. Emphysema is one
of several diseases known collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Item Number: PE220, PE230
Item Tag: PE1215, PE1220
Blaise Name: AsthmaAttack, AsthmaLAttack
Help Tag: AsthmaAttackHelp
ASTHMA ATTACK -When you have an asthma attack, your airways narrow in response to some form of
irritation, or “trigger,” making breathing difficult.
The muscles around the airways also tighten, further closing off breathing. The
resulting symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling
in the chest. In a severe attack, breathing may be blocked. Asthma “attacks” range
from mild to life threatening and can last minutes to days.
Item Number: PE330
Item Tag: PE1299
Blaise Name: DxChronBronch
Help Tag: DxChronBronchHelp
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lungs caused by infection or by inhaling irritating
fumes. Symptoms include cough, fever, and chest pain.
ACUTE BRONCHITIS –
Acute bronchitis develops suddenly. It generally lasts less than 2 weeks. Most healthy
people who develop bronchitis get better without any complications.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS -Chronic bronchitis becomes long-term. A cough that lasts for at least 3 months to two
years in a row suggests chronic bronchitis. It is a form of COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease).
Item Number: PE160
Item Tag: PE1175
Blaise Name: Remission
Help Tag: RemissionHelp

41

REMISSION -A complete or partial disappearance of the signs and symptoms of disease in response
to treatment. This is generally the period during which a disease is under control. A
remission, however, is not necessarily a cure.
Item Number: PE170
Item Tag: PE1185
Blaise Name: ArthritisTp
Help Tag: ArthritisTpHelp
Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints of the body, usually with pain, redness,
and stiffness.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS –
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that can affect joints in any part of the body.
The immune system mistakenly causes the joint lining to swell.
OSTEOARTHRITIS -Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage wears
away, and can occur in any joint, but often affects the hands, knees, hips, and joints in
the spine. Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease.
Item Number: PE30L, PE210
Item Tag: PE1085, PE1210,
Blaise Name: DxAsthma, AsthmaStill
Help Tag: DxAsthmaHelp
ASTHMA –
Asthma is a lung problem that makes breathing difficult. Asthma causes attacks of
wheezing but there are also time periods with relatively normal breathing. Treatment for
mild asthma (rare attacks) typically includes the use of inhalers on an as-needed basis.
Treatment for significant asthma (symptoms occur at least every week) typically
includes the regular use of anti-inflammatory medications, usually inhaled steroids and
bronchodilators.
Item Number: RE1180
Item Tag: REB1535
Blaise Name: EduLevel
Help Tag: EduLevelHelp
REGULAR SCHOOL -A school that advances a person toward an elementary or high school diploma, or a
college/university or professional school (such as law, medicine, dentistry) degree.
Regular school includes graded public, private, and parochial schools, colleges,
universities, graduate and professional schools, seminaries where a Bachelor’s degree is
42

offered, junior colleges specializing in skill training, colleges of education, and nursing
schools where a Bachelor’s degree is offered. Count schooling in other than regular
schools only if the credits obtained are acceptable in a regular school system.
If the person attended school in another country, in an un-graded school, in a ‘normal
school’, under a tutor, or under other special circumstances, ask the respondent to give
the nearest equivalent of years in regular U.S. school.
If the person attended school outside of the ‘regular’ school system, you will need to
probe to determine if the schooling is applicable here. Use the following guidelines to
determine if the schooling should be included at this question:
Training Programs Count training received ‘on the job’, in the Armed Forces, or through
correspondence school only if it was credited toward a school diploma, high school
equivalency (GED), or college degree.
Vocational, Trade, or Business School Do not include secretarial school, mechanical or computer training school, nursing
school where a Bachelor’s degree is not offered, and other vocational trade or
business schools outside the regular school system.
General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency An exam certified equivalent of a high school diploma. If the person has not
actually completed all four years of high school, but has acquired his/her GED
(high school equivalency based on passing the GED exam), count this as you
would a high school graduate and code Twelfth Grade (High School Diploma).
Adult Education Adult education classes should not be included as regular school unless such
schooling has been counted for credit in a regular school system. If a person has
taken adult education classes but not for credit, these classes should not be
counted as regular school. Adult education courses given in a public school
building are part of regular schooling only if their completion can advance a
person toward an elementary school certificate, a high school diploma (or GED), or
college degree.
Nursing Education Education for nurses and nursing related fields can vary. If there are questions
from the respondent, please use the following guidelines. The CNA is a vocational
training program that lasts usually 6-9 months and is not a degree— select the
grade/level completed at the last regular school. The LPN and LVN programs
usually include a “diploma” or “certification” after one year’s vocational training;
select the most appropriate category under the heading for “College:” and code the
“Other Degree” at the follow-up question. The RN is a degree program from either
a nursing school (usually a 3 year program equivalent to 3 years of college and
43

equivalent to more than an associate degree) or a community college or
college/university program that can either be at the associates, bachelors, masters,
or PhD levels—select the most appropriate category under the heading for
“College:” and code the appropriate degree at the follow-up question.
GRADE OR YEAR -For this study, we have classified grades 1 through 8 as elementary school, and grades 9
through 12 as high school. However, you should note that the final grade of elementary
school may be anywhere from grade 5 to grade 8, depending on the school system. So,
if the respondent says the person you are asking about completed elementary school,
probe to determine what grade that represents.
Completing a given grade in school should be counted as the number of years it normally
takes to complete that grade level of education, regardless of how many years it actually
took the person to finish. This means that for persons who skipped or repeated grades in
elementary school, you will enter the highest grade completed regardless of the number
of years they were in school. This rule is true for elementary school through high school
and is especially relevant to college. For example, if the person you are asking about is
reported as having a ‘Bachelor’s Degree’, it should be coded as ‘Fourth Year (Bachelor’s
Degree)’ regardless of how many years it took him/her to receive it. Code ‘Five or More
Years (Graduate Degree)’ should be entered only if the person has completed one or
more years of graduate or professional school.
For persons still in school, be sure to report the highest grade/level completed. For
example, a person currently in the 10th grade probably completed the 9th grade.
Item Number: RE1190
Item Tag: REB1540
Blaise Name: HghSchDiploma
Help Tag: HghSchDiplomaHelp
HAVE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -A certificate that verifies that a person has successfully completed the required courses of
a high school curriculum. By ‘have a high school diploma’, we mean did the person
graduate from high school rather than literally do they have the document bearing record
of graduation.
PASSED GED -A GED (general educational development) is an exam certified as the equivalent to
attaining a high school diploma.
Item Number: RE1200
Item Tag: REB1545
Blaise Name: HghestEduLevel
Help Tag: HghestEduLevelHelp

44

BACHELOR’S DEGREE -An educational degree given by a college or university to a person who has completed a
four-year course or its equivalent in the humanities or related studies (B.A.) or in the
sciences (B.S.).
MASTER’S DEGREE -An educational degree given by a college or university to a person who has completed a
prescribed course of graduate study in the humanities or related studies (M.A.) or in the
sciences (M.S.). It ranks above a bachelor’s degree and below a doctorate degree and
usually takes two years to complete.
DOCTORATE DEGREE -The highest educational degree given by a college or university to a person who has
completed a prescribed course of advanced graduate study. Examples include a Doctor
of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Laws (J.D.), Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), etc.
NO DEGREE -If the person has some years of college, but has not yet obtained an educational degree,
code ‘No Degree’. For example, if the person is in his/her last term towards earning a
Bachelor’s degree, code ‘No Degree’.
OTHER -If the person obtained an educational degree other than a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or
Doctorate degree, code ‘Other.’ A high school degree or GED is not considered an
educational degree for this question.
Item Number: RE50, RE1210
Item Tag: REA1135, REB1575
Blaise Name: StuFullTime, AttendSch
Help Tag: AttendSchHelp
PART-TIME -A person is considered to be attending school part-time if s/he is carrying less than a full
load of class hours in a semester or quarter.
FULL-TIME -A person is considered to be attending school full-time if s/he is carrying a full load of
class hours in a semester or quarter.
Item Number: RE110, RE380, RE600, RE810, RE1100, RE1040, RE1050, RE1070,
RE1080, OF170
Item Tag: REA1195, REA1375, REA1648, REA1885, REB1290, REB1200, REB1205,
REB1245, REB1250, OF1120
Blaise Name: ADutyMilit, LeftRUFTADuty, FTADutyAddedPers, Jan1Milit,
FTADutyNotNewNotRd1, AnyFTADutyR1, FTADutyR1, AnyFTADutyNewNotR1,
FTADutyNewNotR1, Jan1Milit
45

Help Tag: ACTDUTYHelp
FULL-TIME ACTIVE DUTY (WITH THE ARMED FORCES) -This includes:
• Persons on full-time active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or
Coast Guard unit presently activated as part of the regular Armed Forces.
• Persons in the Reserve Forces or National Guard called up to active duty service
for a period of three months or longer.
Item Number: RE910
Item Tag: REB1085
Blaise Name: Guardian
Help Tag: GuardianHelp
LEGAL GUARDIAN -An adult who has been given the legal right and responsibility by a court to control and
care for a minor child (a person under 18 years of age). The guardian may also be
charged with the legal responsibility of the minor child's estate (i.e., property). The adult
has legal authority to make personal decisions for the child, including responsibility for his
physical, medical and educational needs. A legal guardian will be under the supervision
of the court and will be required to appear in court to give periodic reports about the
status of the child and its estate.
For the purposes of this study, a legal guardian cannot be deceased.
Item Number: RE360, RE860, OF220
Item Tag: REA1365, REA1940, OF1170
Blaise Name: SchlTpA, SchlTpB, SchlTpB
Help Tag: SchlTpHelp
1st – 12th GRADE -Includes elementary school, middle school, and high school (both junior and senior high
school). The school can be public, private, military, or parochial.
VOCATIONAL, COLLEGE, GRADUATE, PROFESSIONAL -Includes junior college, community college, four-year college or university, nursing
school or seminary, and graduate school or professional school that is attended after
obtaining a degree from a 4-year institution. Vocational school includes secretarial
school, mechanical or computer training school, and any other vocational, trade, or
business school. The person need not have obtained a high school diploma or
equivalency to attend some vocational schools.
Item Number: RE960, RE270, RE580
Item Tag: REB1130, REA1300, REA1645
Blaise Name: NHISSchLevel, SchLevel, SchLevelAddedPers
Help Tag: SCHOOLLEVELHelp
46

GRADES 1-12 -Includes elementary school, middle school, and high school (both junior and senior high
school). The school can be public, private, military, or parochial.
COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY -Junior college, community college, four-year college or university, nursing school or
seminary where a college degree is offered, and graduate school or professional school
that is attended after obtaining a degree from a 4-year institution.
OTHER TRAINING SCHOOL AFTER HIGH SCHOOL -Secretarial school, mechanical or computer training school, nursing school where a
college degree is not offered, and any other vocational, trade, or business school where
a college degree is not offered. The person need not have obtained a high school
diploma or equivalency to attend this type of school.
Item Number: RE280
Item Tag: REA1305
Blaise Name: InOthHhMilitFac
Help Tag: InOthHhMilitFacHelp
ANOTHER HOUSEHOLD –
If the full-time active duty armed forces person lives in any place of private residence
including apartments, townhouses, houses, co-ops, mobile homes, boarding rooms,
etc., or the full-time active duty armed forces member is living with at least one civilian,
key RU member in military housing, code person as living in another household.
MILITARY FACILITY –
If person lives in any building or grounds on an Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, or Coast
Guard base, military training school or academy (Army (West Point), Air Force, Naval or
Coast Guard academies); or any other facility owned exclusively for military purposes
without at least one civilian, key RU member, code person as living in military facility.

Item Number: RE500
Item Tag: REA1465
Blaise Name: NewRefPersPIDAdded
Help Tag: HeadofHhHelp
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD -If no one in the household owns or rents the home, we ask for the name of the ‘head of
household’. This is the person in the household who has the primary responsibility for
the care of the family.

47

If more than one person is considered ‘head of household’, ask the respondent to
choose one person. This person will then be used as the reference person in the
remainder of the interview.
Item Number: RE990
Item Tag: REB1145
Blaise Name: UsualResOrStu
Help Tag: UsualResOrStuHelp
USUAL YEAR-ROUND PLACE OF RESIDENCE -The place where person lives during the majority of a calendar year.
RESIDENCE ONLY DURING SCHOOL YEAR -Person lives at this household only during the months s/he is attending school and lives
elsewhere when not attending school.
SOME OTHER ARRANGEMENT -This category covers living situations not covered by the above two categories. For
example, a child’s divorced parents have joint custody of the child and the child lives
50% of the time with his/her mother at one residence and the other 50% of the time with
his/her father at a different residence.
Item Number: RE1000
Item Tag: REB1150
Blaise Name: RspbHCare
Help Tag: RspbHCareHelp
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY -The person who is most often responsible for the health and health care for the person
being asked about. This includes making sure the person being asked about receives
all need health care (doctor visits, dental visits, takes medications, etc.) and paying for
that health care.
Item Number: RE180
Item Tag: REA1250
Blaise Name: CurrInstd
Help Tag: CurrInstdHelp
INSTITUTIONALIZED IN A HEALTH CARE FACILITY -A person is considered institutionalized in a health care facility if s/he is living in a facility
that provides 24-hour continuous skilled nursing and personal care by trained medical
personnel, regardless of age. These patients receive ongoing treatment for chronic
diseases or disabilities, and require preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive
services over long periods of time. Do not include community-based facilities, including
community-based hospitals, as institutionalized.

48

24-HOUR SKILLED NURSING CARE -Skilled nursing care involves licensed professionals performing services either for shortterm needs such as rehabilitation, or for long-term care for serious illnesses or
conditions. In addition to 24-hour skilled medical care for both acute and chronic
conditions due to an injury or illness, patients receive additional help for daily activities
of living.
Item Number: RE190
Item Tag: REA1260
Blaise Name: PersWithFamNow
Help Tag: PersWithFamNowHelp
LIVING WITH THIS FAMILY -Person is living with this family at the time of the current round interview. This is the
person’s usual place of residence where the person plans to live for the foreseeable
future.
USUAL PLACE OF RESIDENCE SOMEWHERE ELSE -Person is not living with the family at the time of the current round interview, but has
usual place of residence somewhere else. This could include living in another
household or living in a military facility.
DECEASED -The person is no longer living at the time of the current round interview.
Item Number: RE200_01, RE200_02, RE200_03, RE220_01, RE220_02, RE220_03,
RE240_01, RE240_02, RE240_03
Item Tag: REA1265, REA1266, REA1267, REA1275, REA1276, REA1277, REA1285,
REA1286, REA1287
Blaise Name: LeftInstMMFam, LeftInstDDFam, LeftInstYYYYFam,
LeftInstMMDecd, LeftInstDDDecd, LeftInstYYYYDecd, LeftInstMMOth,
LeftInstDDOth, LeftInstYYYYOth
Help Tag: LVHCFACHelp
LEAVE THE HEALTH CARE FACILITY -The person must have been discharged from or have formally left the health care facility
because the person is deceased or because the person is now living somewhere other
than the health care facility. If the person has only temporarily left the health care
facility to visit family or for a stay in the hospital, do not count this as having left the
facility.
Item Number: OF180, RE820
Item Tag: OF1125, REA1890
Blaise Name: WherePersJan1, WherePersJan1
Help Tag: WhereJan1

49

LIVING AWAY AT SCHOOL -A person who usually lived in the household, but at the specified time lived at a
boarding school, academy, or post-secondary school. If the person returned to the RU
on weekends, school holidays or vacations, we still consider him/her as ‘living away at
school’.
LIVING ON A MILITARY FACILITY -A person who lived in any building or grounds on an Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, or
Coast Guard base, military training school or academy (Army (West Point), Air Force,
Naval or Coast Guard academies); or any other facility owned exclusively for military
purposes. The person did not necessarily need to be on full-time active duty in the
armed forces to be living on a military facility.

INSTITUTIONALIZED IN A FACILITY –
A person is considered institutionalized if s/he was:
• living in a health care facility that provides 24-hour continuous skilled nursing and
personal care by trained medical personnel, regardless of age. These patients
receive ongoing treatment for chronic diseases or disabilities, and require
preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive services over long periods of
time; or
• living in a non-health care facility, if s/he was living in a correctional facility. Nonhealth care facilities include: Homes for juvenile delinquents, jails, and prisons.
Do not include community-based facilities, including community-based hospitals, as
institutionalized. Refer to the Community Based Living vs. Institutionalized Job Aid in the
Interview Quick Reference Guide for more information.
IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE/HOUSEHOLD -Person was living in another household. This includes persons who were living in a
different household, either inside the U.S. or outside the U.S. Do not include persons
who were living in an institution or are living away at school, either grades 1-12 or postsecondary, in this category. This category includes persons who were either civilian or
full-time active duty in the armed forces and living in a private residence.
VOLUNTEERED: BORN AFTER DATE -Person had not yet been born on date in question.
Item Number: RE250
Item Tag: REA1290
Blaise Name: PersLoctnNow
Help Tag: PersLoctnNowHelp
INSTITUTIONALIZED IN A HEALTH CARE FACILITY -A person is considered institutionalized in a health care facility if s/he is living in a health
care facility that provides 24-hour continuous skilled nursing and personal care by
50

trained medical personnel, regardless of age. These patients receive ongoing treatment
for chronic diseases or disabilities, and require preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and
supportive services over long periods of time.
24-HOUR SKILLED NURSING CARE -Skilled nursing care involves licensed professionals performing services either for
short-term needs such as rehabilitation, or for long term care for serious illnesses
or conditions.In addition to 24-hour skilled medical care for both acute and chronic
conditions due to an injury or illness, patients receive additional help for daily
activities of living.
Do not include community-based facilities, including community-based hospitals, as
institutionalized. Refer to the Community Based Living vs. Institutionalized Job Aid in the
Interview Quick Reference Guide for more information.
INSTITUTIONALIZED IN A NON-HEALTH CARE FACILITY -A person is institutionalized in a non-health care facility if s/he is living in a correctional
facility. Non-health care facilities include: Homes for juvenile delinquents, jails, and
prisons.
STUDENT UNDER 24 LIVING AWAY AT SCHOOL IN GRADES 1-12 -A person under 24 years old who usually lives in the household, but at the time of this
interview lives at a boarding school or academy in grades 1-12. Grades 1-12 includes
elementary school, middle school, high school (both junior and senior high school). The
school can be public, private, military, or parochial.
STUDENT UNDER 24 LIVING AWAY AT POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL -A person under 24 years old who usually lives in the household, but at the time of this
interview lives away at post-secondary school. If the person returns to the RU on
weekends, school holidays or vacations, we still consider him/her as “living away at
school”. Post-secondary school includes:
COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES -Junior college, community college, four-year college or university, nursing school
or seminary where a college degree is offered, and graduate school or professional
school that is attended after obtaining a degree from a 4-year institution.
OTHER TRAINING SCHOOLS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL -Secretarial school, mechanical or computer training school, nursing school where a
college degree is not offered, and any other vocational, trade, or business school
where a college degree is not offered. The person need not have obtained a high
school diploma or equivalency to attend this type of school.
ANOTHER HOUSEHOLD - CURRENTLY NOT FULL-TIME MILITARY -Person is living in another household and is not on full-time active duty in the Armed
Forces on the date of the current round interview. This includes persons who are living in
51

a different household, either inside the U.S. or outside the U.S. Do not include persons
who are living in an institution or are living away at school, either grades 1-12 or postsecondary, in this category.
It is important to determine if the person being asked about is on full-time active duty in
the military (i.e., the Armed Forces of the United States) on the date of the current round
interview. Do not include persons who are on full-time active duty in the military in this
category. See definition of full-time active duty in the Armed Forces below.
ANOTHER HOUSEHOLD/MILITARY FACILITY - CURRENTLY FULL-TIME MILITARY Person is living in another household or military facility and is on full-time active duty in
the Armed Forces on date of the current round interview. This includes persons who are
living in another household or in a military facility, either inside the U.S. or outside the
U.S. Do not include persons who are living in an institution or were living away at school,
either grades 1-12 or post-secondary, in this category.
It is important to determine if the person being asked about is on full-time active duty in
the military (i.e., the Armed Forces of the United States) on the date of the current round
interview. Include only persons who are on full-time active duty in the military in this
category.
Persons who are considered to be on full-time active duty in the armed forces includes:
• Persons on full-time active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or
Coast Guard unit presently activated as part of the regular Armed Forces.
• Persons in the Reserve Forces or National Guard called up to active duty service
for a period of three months or longer.

Item Number: RJ20
Item Tag: RJ1045
Blaise Name: MainJob
Help Tag: MainJobHelp
MAIN JOB/BUSINESS -If only one current job or business, that job/business is the main one. If more than one
current job or business, the respondent should designate as main, the job s/he
considers the most important or the one worked the most hours. The main job is not
necessarily the job held the longest.
JOB -A definite arrangement for regular work every week or month, for pay or other
compensation (e.g., profits, anticipated profits, or pay in kind, such as room and board).
A job may also be a formal arrangement with one or more employers to work on a
continuing basis for a specified number of hours per week or days per month, but on
an irregular schedule during the specified week or month.

52

BUSINESS -A business exists when one or more of the following conditions are met:
1. Machinery or equipment of substantial value is in use in conducting business,
2. an office, store or other place of business is maintained, or
3. the business is advertised by listing in the classified section of the phone book,
displaying a sign, distributing cards or leaflets, or any other methods which
publicize that the work or service is offered to clients.
Item Number: RE260, RE290, RE370, RE410, RE590, RE800, OF160
Item Tag: REA1295, REA1310, REA1370, REA1380, REA1647, REA1880, OF1115
Blaise Name: LeftInstPersInOutUSNotFTADuty, LeftInstPersInOutUSFTADuty,
PersInOutUSSchl, PersInOutUSNotFTADuty, PersInOutUSAdded, Jan1Abroad,
Jan1Abroad
Help Tag: LIVEUSHelp
WITHIN U.S. -This includes all the states in the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and the
District of Columbia. It does not include the U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam,
or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
OUTSIDE U.S. -This includes all countries other than the United States as well as territories such as
Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hawaii and Alaska are considered
inside the United States.
Item Number: HX200, HX300
Item Tag: HX1275, HX1415
Blaise Name: CodeAllOthHI, DirectPurchTp
Help Tag: OthHICovgHelp
GROUP OR ASSOCIATION -Includes many types of organizations, but principally groups like the American
Association of Retired Persons (AARP), church groups, or clubs. It also may include
professional associations. These are organizations of individuals that share an interest or
common characteristics or professional affiliation (for example, the American Medical
Association). Membership may include the right to buy health insurance through the
organization or association.
SCHOOL -Health insurance purchased through a school that covered someone in the RU during the
reference period. Any type of school applies here, whether it is a grade or high school,
college, or university, trade or vocational school, public or private, etc.
INSURANCE AGENT -An individual primarily engaged in the business of selling insurance policies to the public.
53

INSURANCE COMPANY -A corporation primarily engaged in the business of selling insurance policies to the public.
HMO (HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION) -HMOs are a common type of insurance plan. If the respondent says s/he is or has been
covered by health insurance from an HMO, accept her/his response. If the respondent
needs clarification, use the definition below.
HMOs are organizations that have responsibility for providing comprehensive health care
services in exchange for fixed periodic payment. With an HMO, a person must generally
receive their care from HMO physicians; otherwise the expense is not covered unless the
person was referred by the HMO or there was a medical emergency. With an HMO, the
cost of a visit is typically covered in full or you have to pay a fixed amount of money per
visit. HMOs can be sponsored by the government, medical schools, hospitals, employers,
labor unions, consumer groups, insurance companies, and hospital-medical plans.
UNION -An organization of wage or salary earners formed for the purpose of serving their
collective interests with respect to wages, working conditions, and benefits. Participation
in a labor union normally requires that the employee pay dues that may be directly
deducted from their gross wages or salary.
ANYONE’S PREVIOUS EMPLOYER -Health insurance purchased or obtained that covered an RU member during the
reference period through any former employer. An RU member must have worked for
this employer at some point in the past.
SPOUSE’S/DECEASED SPOUSE’S PREVIOUS EMPLOYER -Health insurance purchased or obtained that covered an RU member during the
reference period through a spouse’s or deceased spouse’s former employer. This
spouse or deceased spouse must have worked for this employer at some point in the
past.
SOME OTHER EMPLOYER -Health insurance purchased or obtained from any other employer, not already asked
about that covered someone in the RU during the reference period. This includes all
employer types not already described above and not talked about in the Employment
Section.
UNDER PLAN OF SOMEONE NOT LIVING HERE -This includes any type of health insurance provided to an RU member during the
reference period by someone who is not part of the RU. For example, if a child is covered
under his mother’s insurance, with whom he does not live, code this category.
STATE EXCHANGE NAME/MARKETPLACE -54

This is a “new” central marketplace where people can shop for health insurance plans
online, in person or by phone and access financial assistance to help pay for coverage.
OTHER SOURCE -This includes health insurance provided to an RU member by some source not described
above.
Item Number: RE100, RE1170_01
Item Tag: REA1185, REB1355
Blaise Name: MaritalStatRnd
Help Tag: MaritalStatHelp
MARRIED -Refers to legal marriage. This includes common law marriages in states where
common law marriages are recognized (i.e., if state law considers them married, we
consider them married).
WIDOWED -Spouse is deceased.
DIVORCED -Legal cancellation of marriage.
SEPARATED -Legal or informal separation due to marital discord. It is necessary to probe further
when a person is reported as ‘separated’ -- if the spouse is absent for reasons other
than marital discord, the ‘married’ category applies.
NEVER MARRIED –
A person is considered never married if s/he has never been legally married. If the
person has had informal unions in the past but has never had a legal marriage, s/he is
included in this category even if s/he considered themselves as living together as
married partners.
If the respondent asks what is meant by marriage, tell him or her that we are only
interested in legal married status for this question. However, accept what the
respondent tells you here without attempting to reconcile the response with information
given previously concerning the marital status of the person.
For example, if a respondent tells you here that he is married, but when you collected
relationship information he told you that the woman he is living with is his ‘partner’, you
would code him here as married and continue to the next person in the RU without
questioning his response. An answer indicating that an RU member is ‘single’ or ‘not
married’ should be probed to determine if s/he has been married in the past or not.
Item Number: AS60
55

Item Tag: AS1030
Blaise Name: HomeOwe
Help Tag: HomeOwe
MORTGAGES –
Include only the principal balance that has not yet been paid. The respondent should
not include items such as interest, property tax, insurance, escrow, etc. that might be
included in the mortgage payments.
OUTSTANDING LOANS –
These are loans that have not been paid in full, that is, money is still owed.
Item Number: AS70
Item Tag: AS1035
Blaise Name: AmtHomeOwe
Help Tag: AmtHomeOwe
CURRENTLY OWED -Include only the principal balance that has not yet been paid. The respondent should
not include items such as interest, property tax, insurance, escrow, etc. that might be
included in the mortgage or loan.
Item Number: HP70, HP80, HP90, HP100, HP110
Item Tag: HP1080, HP1085, HP1090, HP1095, HP1100
Blaise Name: Plcyhldr, JobEmpList, PlcyhldrRoster, PlcyhldrNotDUName,
PlcyhldrDecdName
Help Tag: PlcyhldrHelp
POLICYHOLDER -The person in whose name the policy is written or the primary insured person.
Item Number: OP30, MV30
Item Tag: OP1020, MV1025
Blaise Name: OPMPTp, MVMPTp
Help Tag: MPTpHelp
ACUPUNCTURIST -Usually a medical person who uses a technique for relieving pain, treating medical
conditions, inducing regional anesthesia, or improving general well-being, in which thin
needles are inserted into the body at specific points. Acupuncture can also be practiced
by medical doctors (MD’s).
CHIROPRACTOR -Medical persons who practice a system of medicine based on the principles that the
nervous system largely determines the state of health and that disease results from

56

nervous system malfunctioning. Treatment consists primarily of the adjustment and
manipulation of parts of the body, especially the spinal column.
DENTIST/DENTAL CARE PERSON -Medical persons whose primary occupation is caring for teeth, gums, and jaws. Dental
care includes general work such as fillings, cleaning, extractions, and also specialized
work such as root canals, fittings for braces, etc.
HOMEOPATHIC/NATUROPATHIC/HERBALIST/OTHER
ALTERNATIVE/COMPLEMENTARY CARE PROVIDER –
HOMEOPATHIC –
A person who treats health problems based on a system of medicine based on
the principle of ‘like cures like.’ Substances that cause the symptoms of a
particular health problem are used in very small doses to treat the problem.
NATUROPATHIC –
A person who treats health problems based on the curative abilities of nature’s
elements, such as sun, water, air and earth. Many naturopathic physicians also
use modern medical methods in conjunction with naturopathic therapies.
HERBALIST –
A person who uses plant-based substances to prevent or treat a health problem
or to maintain good health. Herbal remedies are available in many forms,
including pills, liquids and crèmes.
ALTERNATIVE/COMPLEMENTARY CARE –
Approaches to health care that are different from those typically practiced by
medical doctors in the U.S. Included in this type of care are acupuncture,
nutritional advice or lifestyle diets, massage therapy, herbal remedies, biofeedback training, meditation, imagery, or relaxation techniques, homeopathic
treatment, spiritual healing or prayer, hypnosis, and traditional medicine, such as
Chinese, Ayurvedic, American Indian, etc.
MASSAGE THERAPIST -A person who treats a health problem through manipulation, methodical pressure,
friction or kneading of the body.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR/MARRIAGE OR FAMILY THERAPIST -A mental health counselor is a person trained to diagnose and treat emotional or mental
health problems, including, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, etc.
Marriage or family therapists are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy
and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders
within the context of marriage, couples and family systems.
MIDWIFE -57

A female who practices the art of aiding in the delivery of babies.
NURSE/NURSE PRACTITIONER -The term nurse includes several types of nursing specialists, such as registered nurse
(RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), nurse’s aide, occupational health nurse,
community health nurse, or public health nurse (PHN).
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed additional training
beyond basic nursing education. They have qualifications which permit them to carry
out expanded health care evaluation and decision-making regarding patient care.
OPTOMETRIST -A medical person who examines the eyes and vision system for visual defects,
diagnoses eye impairments, prescribes corrective lenses, and provides other types of
treatment. Not to be confused with medical doctors who specialize in treating eye
diseases, such as ophthalmologists.
PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST -A physical therapist is a medical person who is concerned with the treatment of
musculoskeletal disorders with physical agents and methods – such as massage,
manipulation, therapeutic exercises, cold, heat, hydrotherapy, electric stimulation, and
light -- to assist in rehabilitating patients and in restoring normal function after an illness
or injury.
An occupational therapist is a medical person who is concerned with improving the
person’s ability to perform self-help tasks, tasks that are associated with employment
activities, or tasks that allow an individual to more fully enjoy and participate in leisure
time activities.
Occupational therapy is used in retraining individuals after illnesses and accidents, as
well as providing ongoing help to persons with more permanent disabilities from stroke,
paralysis or deterioration from degenerative diseases such as arthritis or
multiple sclerosis.
PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT -A Physician’s Assistant (PA) is a medical person who provides health care services with
the direction and supervision of a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic physician
(DO). Physician’s Assistants train for several years in order to earn the certification to
perform diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. Not to be
confused with non-medical persons who also ‘assist’ the physician.
PODIATRIST -A podiatrist (DPM) (sometimes referred to as a ‘foot doctor’), is a medical person who
deals with examination, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, conditions,
and malfunctions affecting the human foot and its related structures.

58

PSYCHOLOGIST -A non-physician who specializes in the counseling and testing of persons with mental,
addictive, or emotional disorders.
SOCIAL WORKER -A person who assists patients and their families in handling social, environmental, and
emotional problems associated with illness or injury. Can include social work
specialists, such as a medical or psychiatric social worker.
TECHNICIAN -A person with the knowledge and skill to carry out a specific technical medical
procedure, such as an x-ray technician.
Item Number: RE480, RE490
Item Tag: REA1450, REA1455
Blaise Name: OwnRentHome, NewRefPersPID
Help Tag: OwnsRentHelp
OWNS/RENTS HOME -A person owns the home even if they are still paying on a mortgage. A person rents the
home if s/he pays on a continuing basis without gaining any rights to ownership.
If more than one person ‘owns or rents’ the home, ask the respondent to choose one
person. This person will then be used as the reference person in the remainder of the
interview.
Item Number: HP120
Item Tag: HP1125
Blaise Name: PlcyhldrEmpStat
Help Tag: PlcyhldrEmpStatHelp
EMPLOYMENT -Paid work for wages, salary, commission, or pay ‘in kind’. Examples of ‘pay in kind’
include meals, living quarters, or supplies provided in place of wages. This definition of
employment includes work in the person’s own business, professional practice, or farm,
paid leaves of absence (including vacations and illnesses), and work without pay in a
family business or farm run by a relative. This definition excludes unpaid volunteer work
(such as for a church or charity), unpaid leaves of absences, temporary layoffs (such as
a strike), and work around the house.
CURRENTLY EMPLOYED -Person is employed at this establishment as of date of the interview.
PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED -Person is not employed as of date of the interview, but has been employed at this
establishment in the past.
59

RETIRED -Voluntary termination of employment usually the result of reaching a specified age and
tenure. Also include situations in which the person is no longer seeking main
employment due to a retirement decision.
DECEASED -The person is no longer living.
Item Number: PM70
Item Tag: PM1100
Blaise Name: NewMeds
Help Tag: PmedAsNeeded
Make sure that the prescribed medicine reported by the respondent for this question
has not already been reported in a prior question.
PRESCRIPTIONS -Prescribed medicines are those ordered by a physician or other authorized medical
person through a written or verbal prescription for a pharmacist to fill. Prescription
medicines can also be given by a medical provider directly to a patient to take home.
Prescription medicines do not include:
•
•
•
•

medicines administered to the patient during the event as part of the treatment
(such as an antibiotic shot for an infection, a flu shot, or a medicine taken orally);
diaphragms and IUDs (Intra-Uterine Devices);
prescriptions for eye glasses or contact lenses; or
over-the-counter medications that do not have a written prescription from a
doctor.

Some state laws require prescriptions for certain over-the-counter medicines.
Sometimes physicians write a prescription for over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin.
Therefore, consider any medicine a prescribed medicine if the respondent reports it as
prescribed. If it is an over-the-counter drug, however, the prescription must be a written
one to be filled by a pharmacist, not just an oral instruction. If in doubt, probe whether
the patient got a written prescription to fill at a pharmacy. If there is still any doubt,
report the medicine as a prescription medicine.
REFILLS -A medicine is refilled for the person whose name appears on the prescription label.
Usually, prescriptions have specified limits to the number of times they can be refilled.
Even if the medicine ends up being taken by someone else, record only the person the
prescription was written for.

60

Item Number: PR260_01, PR270_01, PR280_01, HX110, HX125_01, HX225, HX260
Item Tag: PR1205, PR1215, PR1225, HX1165, HX1175, HX1317, HX1365
Blaise Name: ConfMilitHI, OthMmbMilitHI, CodeAllMilitPlanPR, AnyMilitCovg,
CodeAllMilitPlan, CovgRelMilit, CodeAllVerfMilitPlan
Help Tag: CHAMPTRIHelp
TRICARE -TRICARE is a health care program for active duty and retired members of the uniformed
services, their families, and survivors. TRICARE offers eligible beneficiaries three
choices for their health care;
•
•
•

TRICARE Prime – where military treatment facilities are the principal source of
health care;
TRICARE Extra – a preferred provider option; and
TRICARE Standard – a fee-for-service option (the old CHAMPUS Program).

TRICARE for life covers uniformed service beneficiaries who have attained the age of
65, are Medicare-eligible, and have purchased Medicare Part B.
CHAMPVA -CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program for the spouse or widow(er) and for the
children of a veteran who is rated permanently and totally disabled due to a serviceconnected disability, or died of a service-connected disability, or died on active duty and
the dependents are not otherwise eligible for TRICARE benefits. Under CHAMPVA, the
Veterans Administration shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies
with eligible beneficiaries.
VA (VETERANS ADMINISTRATION) -This program provides health care to veterans of the Armed Forces (particularly those
with service-connected disabilities).
Item Number: AC50
Item Tag: AC1060
Blaise Name: PlaceType
Help Tag: PlaceTypeHelp
HOSPITAL CLINIC OR OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT -A unit of a hospital, a facility, or ‘urgent care center’ owned by or affiliated with a
hospital. The hospital clinic or outpatient department provides health and medical
services to individuals who do not require hospitalization overnight and may also
provide general primary care.
Do not include ‘urgent care centers’ which are not owned by, or affiliated with a hospital.
Urgent care centers which are not affiliated with or owned by a hospital should be coded
as a Medical Provider visit.

61

Examples of outpatient departments include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

well-baby clinics/pediatric OPD;
obesity clinics;
eye, ear, nose, and throat clinics;
cardiology clinic;
internal medicine department;
family planning clinics;
alcohol and drug abuse clinics;
physical therapy clinics; and
radiation therapy clinics.

HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM -A medical department at a hospital that is open 24 hours a day where no appointment is
necessary in order to receive care. Medical care may be administered by a physician,
nurse, physician assistant, or other medical provider. Do not include ‘urgent care
centers’, which are owned by, or affiliated with a hospital. Visits made to that type of
facility should be coded as an outpatient department visit.
OTHER KIND OF PLACE -A medical place that is not a hospital outpatient department or clinic or a hospital
emergency room. Include in this category group practices, private doctor’s offices,
health clinics, walk-in surgi-center/clinics and urgi-centers/clinics not owned by or
affiliated with a hospital, company or school clinics, infirmaries, neighborhood health
clinics, family planning centers, and mental health facilities.
Item Number: PM190
Item Tag: PM1400
Blaise Name: PMed3Part
Help Tag: PMed3PartHelp
HEALTH INSURANCE OR ANOTHER SOURCE OF COVERAGE -Any individual, company, or organization, besides the person or family, that made any
payments to the pharmacy for the prescription medicines received. This includes:
health insurance companies, HMOs, Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP (State Children’s
Health Insurance Program) or other types of public health programs. This also includes
other types of coverage which may sometimes pay for prescription medicines, such as
employers, car or home owner’s insurance, worker’s compensation policies, etc.
Item Number: CP10, CP20, CP30, CP40, CP60
Item Tag: CP1055, CP1056, CP1060, CP1061, CP1075
Blaise Name: CPaySameLRnd, CPayChng, CPayAmt, ProvNoPay, CPayOnlyAmt
Help Tag: CPayHelp
COPAYMENT --

62

A fixed sum that a person pays for health services, regardless of the actual charge (the
insurer pays the rest of the actual charge). For example, the person may pay $10 for
each office visit, $75 for each day in the hospital, and $5 for each drug prescription.
For the purposes of MEPS, paying $0 for every visit, regardless of the services, is
classified as a copayment.
Item Number: CP50, FF80
Item Tag: CP1065, FF1080
Blaise Name: CPayIntro, FFeeIntro
Help Tag: CPayIntroHelp
CHARGE -The dollar amount asked (‘charged’) for a service by a health care provider. This may
not be the actual amount paid to the provider.
Item Number: CP70, FF90
Item Tag: CP1080, FF1085
Blaise Name: EvpvRcvBill, FFeeRcvBill
Help Tag: RcvBillHelp
ANYTHING IN WRITING -A document that indicates the charges for services provided by a medical provider.
This usually takes the form of a bill or statement listing the charges for a particular
service or item. Also include receipts for payments.
Item Number: CP100, FF120
Item Tag: CP1095, FF1100
Blaise Name: EvpvWhereBillTp, FfeeWhereBillTp
Help Tag: WhereBillTpHelp
HMO -HMOs are organizations that have responsibility for providing comprehensive health
care services in exchange for fixed periodic payment. With an HMO, a person must
generally receive their care from HMO physicians; otherwise the expense is not covered
by the HMO unless the person was referred by the HMO or there was a medical
emergency. With an HMO, the cost of a visit is typically covered in full or you have to
pay a fixed amount of money per visit. HMOs can be sponsored by the government,
medical schools, hospitals, employers, labor unions, consumer groups, insurance
companies, and hospital-medical plans.
VA (Veterans Administration) / CHAMPVA -The Veterans Administration, or VA, provides medical assistance to veterans of the
Armed Forces, particularly those with service-connected disabilities.

63

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veteran's Affairs
(CHAMPVA), provides health coverage to dependents and survivors of disabled or
deceased veterans.
TRICARE -TRICARE is a health care program for active duty and retired members of the uniformed
services, their families, and survivors. TRICARE offers eligible beneficiaries three
choices for their health care;
•
•
•

TRICARE Prime – where military treatment facilities are the principal source of
health care;
TRICARE Extra – a preferred provider option; and
TRICARE Standard – a fee-for-service option (the old CHAMPUS Program).

TRICARE for life covers uniformed service beneficiaries who have attained the age of
65, are Medicare-eligible, and have purchased Medicare Part B.
OTHER MILITARY -Includes any health care received on military bases by current active duty personnel
and their dependents and retired Armed Forces members and their dependents or
survivors.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE/MEDICAID/SCHIP -Public assistance refers to the government agencies concerned with providing aid to
persons suffering from poverty, unemployment, etc. Their health care is provided
through Medicaid. Medicaid is a federally-assisted, state-administered program that
offers health benefits to low income persons on public assistance. The program also
may cover the aged, the blind, and the disabled who are in financial need. Medicaid
may be known by different names in different states.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a program which gives each state
permission to offer health insurance for children, up to age 19, who are not already
insured and for uninsured families with limited income and resources who earn too
much to qualify for Medicaid. SCHIP is a state administered program and may be
known by different names in different states.
WORKER’S COMPENSATION -A system, required by law, of compensating workers injured or disabled in connection
with work. The system establishes the liability of an employer for injuries or sickness
that arise over and in the course of employment. The liability is created without regard
to the fault or negligence of the employer. The benefits under this system generally
include hospital and other medical payments and compensation for loss of income.
PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANY -A corporation primarily engaged in the business of selling insurance policies to the
public.
64

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE (IHS) –
The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the Department of Health and
Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to American
Indians and Alaska Natives.
Item Number: CP180, CP190, CP200, FF150
Item Tag: CP1126, CP1127, CP1130, FF1120
Blaise Name: EvpvFamPaid, EvpvAmtUPayRng, EvpvAmtUPay, FFeeAmtUPay
Help Tag: AmtUPayHelp
OUT-OF-POCKET AMOUNTS TO INCLUDE -Any and all amounts paid directly (e.g., out-of-pocket, up-front) to the
provider/pharmacy/place for the care or services received. This includes all amounts
that may have been reimbursed later by any provider or insurance company.

Item Number: CP210, FF160
Item Tag: CP1160, FF1125
Blaise Name: EvpvAnySrcPay, FFeeAnySrcPay
Help Tag: AnySrcPayHelp
SOURCE -Any person, company, or organization, besides the person or family, that made any
payments to the provider/pharmacy/place for the care or services received. This
includes health insurance companies, HMOs, employers, car or home owner’s
insurance, worker’s compensations policies, Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP (State
Children’s Health Insurance Program) or other types of public programs, etc.
This source should have paid the provider/place directly, that is, the family should not
be paid in the anticipation that they would in turn pay the provider. If this is the case,
consider it a reimbursement, not a direct payment.
This includes payments the person or family assumes the source has sent in to the
provider/place for the care or services received.
Item Number: DN10
Item Tag: DN1001
Blaise Name: CodeAllDNProvTp
Help Tag: CodeAllDNProvHelp
GENERAL DENTIST -A general dentist conducts routine examinations, fills cavities, extracts teeth (except for
wisdom teeth), and performs services not done by the specialists listed in the other
parts of this question.

65

PEDIATRIC DENTIST -A general dentist who specializes in treating children.
DENTAL SPECIALIST-ORTHODONTIST -A dental specialist who deals with preventing and correcting irregular teeth
through devices such as braces and retainers.
ENDODONTIST -A dental specialist who performs root canal work and otherwise deals with
diseases of the dental pulp and roots.
PERIODONTIST -A dental specialist who deals with diseases in the bone, connective tissue, and
gums surrounding and supporting the teeth.
DENTAL HYGIENIST –
A person who is licensed to give certain dental services under the supervision of a
dentist. These services include: teeth cleaning, x-rays, applying medications, and
educating in dental matters.
Item Number: DN20
Item Tag: DN1005
Blaise Name: CodeAllDNSvc
Help Tag: DentProcHelp
GENERAL EXAM, CHECKUP OR CONSULTATION -Refers to the activity performed by either a dentist or a dental hygienist to determine
whether cavities or gum disease have developed, or whether examination by a
specialist may be necessary.
CLEANING, PROPHYLAXIS, POLISHING, PERIODONTAL RECALL VISIT -Refers to activities performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to maintain healthy teeth
and prevent cavities. Cleaning includes scraping tartar deposits off teeth, both above
and below the gumline. Periodontal recall visit refers to periodontal treatment that
occurs on a periodic or regular basis.
X-RAYS, RADIOGRAPHS AND BITEWINGS -All are different names for photographic images of the teeth obtained through the use of
small amounts of radiation. These images are used to discover hidden cavities and
flaws in teeth.
FLUORIDE TREATMENT -The application of a solution containing the chemical fluoride, which is intended to make
the teeth more resistant to tooth decay.

66

SEALANT (PLASTIC COATINGS ON BACK TEETH) -The application of a material to close fissures, grooves, or pits on the chewing surfaces
of back teeth.
FILLINGS, INLAYS, CROWNS OR CAPS
A filling is a substance of plastic, amalgam, gold, etc. which is used to close a cavity in a
decayed tooth. The substance is placed directly into the cleaned cavity and then
shaped to match the rest of the tooth.
An inlay filling of metal, porcelain, or the like which is first shaped to fit a cavity and then
cemented into it. The inlay is prepared outside of the patient’s mouth.
A crown or cap is an artificial substitute for the part of a tooth above the gumline. Can
be made of gold, porcelain, etc.
ROOT CANAL -A procedure in which the pulp of an injured or dead tooth is removed and replaced with
a filling in order to save the tooth.
PERIODONTAL SCALING, ROOT PLANING, OR GUM SURGERY -Procedures or surgeries that treat diseases in the bone, connective tissue, and gums
surrounding and supporting the teeth.
EXTRACTION, TOOTH PULLED OR OTHER ORAL SURGERY -Extraction or having a tooth pulled refers to removal of a tooth; includes both adult and
baby teeth. Other oral surgery includes surgical procedures on the jaw.
IMPLANTS -Metal posts permanently imbedded in the jawbone to which false teeth are attached.
FIXED BRIDGES, DENTURES OR REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES, RELINING
OR REPAIR OF BRIDGES OR DENTURES -A fixed bridge refers to fixed replacement for one or several natural teeth, attached at
each end to a natural tooth. Dentures or removable partial dentures refer to false teeth
that are removable from the mouth. Relining or repair of bridges or dentures includes
replacing false teeth and repairing the supporting structure for false teeth, including the
portion covering the gums.
ORTHODONTIA, BRACES, OR RETAINERS -Refers to services and appliances fitted to some or all teeth to correct irregularly spaced
teeth.
Item Number: EM520
Item Tag: EMA2730
Blaise Name: LeftJobResn
Help Tag: LeftJobResnHelp
67

JOB ENDED, TEMPORARY, SEASONAL, CONTRACT, ETC. -Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment based on the completion or
cancellation of a predetermined task or work order. For example, construction workers
may no longer be employed due to the fact that a specific project has been completed
and no subsequent projects have begun.
BUSINESS CLOSED OR SOLD –
Voluntary or involuntary cessation of operations by the owners of the business.
ILLNESS, INJURY, HEALTH PROBLEM -Inability to work due to impairments, or physical or mental health conditions. The
impairment or condition should be of such severity that it incapacitates the individual
and prevents him/her from doing any kind of gainful employment.
TERMINATED, FIRED, DISMISSED –
Employer ends job against the will of the employee. This can be due to issues with the
employee’s performance but it also may be due to factors outside the employee’s
control, such as company restructuring or the elimination of a position.
LAID OFF, LET GO -Persons are on layoff if they are waiting to be recalled to a job from which they were
temporarily separated for business-related reasons, such as temporary drops in
demand, business downturns, plant remodeling, material shortages, and inventory
taking. They must have either been given a date to report back to work or, if not given a
date, must expect to be recalled to their job within six months.
QUIT – FAMILY REASON, MATERNITY LEAVE-This answer category includes cases where an RU member ceases employment in
order to be in the household to take care of household duties, children, and/or spouse.
It also includes cases where an RU member may quit in order to be available to care for
another family member who is ill, either in the RU member’s home or elsewhere.
Maternity leave allows a pregnant RU member voluntarily terminates employment due
to the birth of her child or quits to take care of an adopted child.
QUIT -- SCHOOL -RU member is no longer employed in order to attend classes at any kind of public or
private school, including trade or vocational schools in which students receive no
compensation in money or kind, or only minimal educational stipends (fellowship,
scholarship).
QUIT – JOB RELATED REASON –
RU member voluntary leaves employer directly due to job related conditions. Examples
may include a difficult work environment, inconsistency or dissatisfaction with
scheduling or hours, change in position expectations or responsibilities, or relocation.
This incudes quitting due to taking another job.
68

QUIT – ANY OTHER REASON –
RU member voluntary leaves employer for any other reason. This may include wanting
time off from working or time off to pursue other interests such as volunteering or
personal hobbies.
Item Number: EM80
Item Tag: EMA1185
Blaise Name: JobBRoster
Help Tag: JobRosterHelp
If a person is working for a Temporary Employment Agency, you should record the
name of the Temporary Employment Agency and not the company where he or she has
been assigned. If the respondent does not want to supply the establishment name,
record some type of description that will identify the job for you and the respondent. Do
not record refused as the establishment name since you will be using the name for
reference throughout the section.
Item Number: EM530
Item Tag: EMA2745
Blaise Name: NoBusnResn
Help Tag: NoBusnResnHelp
BUSINESS CLOSED OR SOLD -Voluntary or involuntary cessation of operations by the owners of the business.
RETIRED -Voluntary termination of employment usually the result of reaching a specified age and
tenure. Also include situations in which the person is no longer seeking main
employment due to a retirement decision.
ILLNESS OR INJURY -Inability to work due to impairments, or physical or mental health conditions. The
impairment or condition should be of such severity that it incapacitates the individual
and prevents him/her from doing any kind of gainful employment.
Item Number: ER50, OP80, MV90
Item Tag: ER1025, OP1060, MV1070
Blaise Name: CodeAllERSvc, CodeAllOPSvc, MVSvcTp
Help Tag: MedServHelp
LABORATORY TESTS -The non-invasive collection of samples of blood, urine, or any other body fluids, tissues,
or other substances to be examined by a medical person in order to get more
information about the patient’s condition. This includes the collection of stool samples,
or cells from smears like Pap tests. Test should be coded here if the specimen was
69

collected during the particular event, regardless of where or when the specimens were
examined.
SONOGRAM OR ULTRASOUND -A photographic image of an internal region of the body obtained from the reflection
patterns of high frequency sound waves.
X-RAYS -A photographic image of a person’s skeleton and internal organs obtained by exposing
the patient to a limited amount of radiation. ‘X-ray’ here means simple x-rays which do
not involve ingestion of any substance or any more complicated imaging equipment.
This process is used to diagnose broken bones, lung disease, etc. This category
includes barium x-rays.
MAMMOGRAM -An x-ray photograph of the breasts, usually used to detect breast cancer.
MRI OR CATSCAN -An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive process that generates
electronic images of specific atoms and molecular structures inside the human body
such as cells, tissues, and organs. The process uses a magnetic field outside the body
to generate images.
A CATSCAN is a computerized x-ray image of the internal body structures, displayable
in various cross-sections. This is also referred to as CT imaging.
EKG, ECG, OR EEG -EKG and ECG are both abbreviations for electrocardiogram which is a graphic record of
the electrical activity of the heart.
EEG is an abbreviation for electroencephalogram which is a graphic record of the
electrical activity of the brain.
VACCINATION -A shot or oral medication given to the patient to prevent him/her from contracting a
communicable disease.
Item Number: EV20
Item Tag: EV1020
Blaise Name: EvntTp
Help Tag: EvntTpHelp
For specific probes to use with respondents, refer to the “Probes to Determine Event
Type” job aid in the Interview Quick Reference Guide.
HOSPITAL STAY (HS) -70

A visit to a hospital where a person is admitted to the hospital. While most in-patient
stays are 24-hours or longer, a person need not have stayed overnight to have been
“admitted” to a hospital; it is possible to be admitted and discharged on the same day. If
a baby is born in a hospital, two events should be created; a hospital stay for the mother
and a hospital stay for the child.
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT (ER) -Any visit made during the person’s reference period to a hospital emergency room.
EMERGENCY ROOM –
A medical department at a hospital that is open 24 hours a day where no
appointment is necessary in order to receive care. Medical care may be
administered by a physician, nurse, physician assistant, or other medical
provider.
Do not include ‘urgent care centers’, which are owned by, or affiliated with a
hospital. Visits made to that type of facility should be coded as an outpatient
department visit.
HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT VISIT (OP) -Any visit made during the person’s reference period to a hospital outpatient department.
OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT –
A unit of a hospital, a facility, or ‘urgent care center’ owned by or affiliated with a
hospital. The outpatient department provides health and medical services to
individuals who do not require hospitalization overnight and may also provide
general primary care.
Do not include ‘urgent care centers’ which are not owned by, or affiliated with a
hospital. Urgent care centers which are not affiliated with or owned by a hospital
should be coded as a ‘Medical Provider Office or Clinic’ visit. Include visits made
to outpatient departments for medical tests only.
Some doctors or other types of providers may rent office space at a hospital. If
the person reports that the visit occurred at a hospital, but not at an emergency
room or outpatient department, probe to determine if it was at a provider’s office.
If this is the case, code the event type as ‘Medical Provider Office or Clinic’ visit.
Examples of outpatient departments include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

well-baby clinics/pediatric OPD;
obesity clinics;
eye, ear, nose, and throat clinics;
cardiology clinic;
internal medicine department;
family planning clinics;
71

•
•
•

alcohol and drug abuse clinics;
physical therapy clinics; and
radiation therapy clinics.

DENTAL OFFICE VISIT (DN) -Any visit made during the person’s reference period to a dental care provider for the
purpose of dental care. A tooth or mouth problem tended to by a medical doctor is not a
Dental Office event. If a dental care provider was seen, the event type is Dental Office.
If not, code the event type as a ‘Medical Provider Office or Clinic’ visit.
DENTAL CARE PROVIDER –
Medical persons whose primary occupation is caring for teeth, gums, and jaws.
Dental care includes general work such as fillings, cleaning, extractions, and also
specialized work such as root canals, fittings for braces, etc.
MEDICAL PROVIDER OFFICE OR CLINIC (MV)-Any visit made during the person’s reference period to a specific setting of care where a
medical provider was seen. Examples of medical providers include doctors, nurses, or
any other medical person or place that delivers medical or health related care. Settings
of care can include: a private doctor’s office, a clinic, a health maintenance organization
(HMO), an independent laboratory or X-ray facility or an ‘urgent care center’ not owned
by or affiliated with a hospital.
Many types of events can be classified as Medical Provider visits. The following
is a list of some different types of health related events that should be classified
as a ‘Medical Provider Office or Clinic’ visit.
•
•

•
•
•

•

Visits to a private doctor’s office that is not part of a hospital clinic practice where
a physician or group of physicians sees patients.
Visits to providers who are not medical doctors such as chiropractors,
optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists or alternative care providers. If the
alternative care was provided in a private office or group practice, code the event
coded as a medical provider visit. If the alternative care was provided in the
home, code Home Health.
Visits to urgent care centers or HMO clinics that are not owned or operated by or
affiliated with a hospital.
Visits to school clinics; health centers located at a job site or; any other type of
health care facility which is not owned or operated by a hospital should all be
included as Medical Provider visits.
Visits to social workers or counselors if the visit would be reimbursed by
insurance. That is, if there is a charge for the service that an insurance company
may pay for, the service should be recorded as a Medical Provider Visit. Do not
include visits with clergy to discuss personal problems. Any other professional
mental therapist should be included.
Independent radiology groups (for X-rays, CAT Scans, MRIs, mammograms,
etc.) and freestanding laboratories (for blood work or any other types of
72

diagnostic tests) not owned or operated by affiliated with a hospital, or not a
satellite facility of a hospital should be coded as a Medical Provider visit.
CARE RECEIVED AT HOME (HH) -Visits to the home from persons (e.g. nurses, home health aides, social workers,
therapists, or medical doctors) who provide help to a person who has a health problem
or condition.
Non-medical services such as cleaning or cooking may be included if the service is
provided because a person has a health problem. Such a person can be paid or unpaid,
such as a friend, neighbor, relative or volunteer.
RESIDENTIAL OR LONG TERM CARE FACILITY EVENT (IC) -When an RU member is admitted to one of the following types of health care facilities
(which are not a hospital or a permanent residence):
INPATIENT REHABILITATION FACILITY OR CONVALESCENT HOME –
A nursing facility primarily designed to provide a home-like environment while
patients recover from long-term illnesses or medical procedures, or who require
continued care for an ongoing illness that is not in an acute stage. This is not the
same as a retirement home.
NURSING HOME An institution that provides continuous skilled nursing and other services to
people who need nursing and personal services as inpatients.
RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT CENTER –
A residential facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients
with mental or emotional disorders. Do not include ‘day care’ facilities for persons
with intellectual disabilities.
RESIDENTIAL EATING DISORDER TREATMENT CENTER –
A residential facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients
with eating disorders.
RESIDENTIAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER –
A residential facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients
with drug and/or alcohol addiction disorders.
RESIDENTIAL ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER –
A residential facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients
with addiction disorders not classified above (i.e., gambling, sexual).
HOSPICE CARE –
A type of program that provides care and support services to the terminally ill.
The intent is to allow the patient to live as fully as possible. Care and support
73

may come from a variety of sources such as family, volunteers, nurses, social
workers, the clergy, as well as physicians.
Do not include hospice care services delivered at the patient’s home. Care
provided in the home should be coded as ‘Care Received at Home’.
RESPITE CARE –
Care received for only a limited time by severely disabled or impaired persons
(e.g., quadriplegics, developmentally disabled children or adults, or Alzheimer’s
patients) in a long-term health care place (e.g., a nursing home) or another
person’s home, as a way of providing an interval of rest or relief to family
members who are the usual primary caregivers at home.
If there is any question about whether the person received care at an institution
or a hospital, always code the care as having been received during a ‘Hospital
Stay’.
GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES – (CODE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE)
The actual purchase of glasses or contacts during the reference period. Eye exams
should be classified as a Medical Provider visit.
OTHER MEDICAL EXPENSES – (CODE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE)
Includes the use of ambulance services or any purchase made during the reference
period of disposable supplies or long term medical equipment.
Examples of disposable supplies: ostomy supplies, bandages, adult diapers,
catheters, syringes not prescribed by physician, IV supplies.
Examples of long term medical equipment: Orthopedic items (e.g., walkers,
wheelchairs, braces), Medical equipment (e.g., hospital beds, lifts, monitors,
oxygen, vaporizer or nebulizer), modifications (e.g., ramps, handrails, automobile
modifications), hearing devices (e.g., hearing aids, amplifiers, adaptive speech
equipment).
Item Number: EV50, CA43
Item Tag: EV1050, CA1072
Blaise Name: HHEvntTp, CA43
Help Tag: HHEvntTpHelp
FRIEND/NEIGHBOR -A medical or non-medical person providing some type of home health services to the
RU member. This person must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Friend/neighbor was not paid.
2. Friend/neighbor is not part of the RU or DU.
3. Friend/neighbor is not related to the RU member receiving the care.
74

4. Friend/neighbor is not providing the care because of an affiliation with a volunteer
group.
RELATIVE -A medical or non-medical person providing some type of home health services to the
RU member. This person must fulfill the following requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Relative can be either paid or not-paid.
Relative is not part of the RU or DU.
Relative is related to the RU member receiving the care.
Relative is not providing the care because of an affiliation with a volunteer group.

VOLUNTEER -A medical or non-medical person providing some type of home health services to the
RU member. This person must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Volunteer was not paid.
2. Volunteer is not part of the RU or DU.
3. Volunteer is not related to the RU member receiving the care.
4. Volunteer has an affiliation with a volunteer group that provides home care
services to the RU member.
OTHER-PAID -A medical or non-medical person, group or agency providing some type of home health
services to the RU member. Any type of provider who was paid (other than a relative)
should be included in this group.
VOLUNTEER: MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE -Any public or private services that only provide meals to individuals at home. For
example, Meals-on-Wheels.
Item Number: HH20
Item Tag: HH1020
Blaise Name: CodeAllHcarWrkrOth
Help Tag: CodeAllHHOthHelp
COMPANION -Persons who care for elderly, disabled, or convalescent persons by attending to the
patient’s personal needs, reading aloud, playing cards, or other games to entertain the
RU member because of the RU member’s health problem.
HOME HEALTH/HOME CARE AIDE -A health worker who provides personal care and home management services to allow
patients to live in their own homes. A home health aide may work under the supervision
of a physician or registered nurse and may help patients bathe, exercise, and dress. He

75

or she may check the patient’s temperature, blood pressure, and pulse and respiration
rates; give massages and help give medications.
HOSPICE WORKER -A person who provides health and personal care in the home to persons who are dying.
They may administer medical treatments, help people bathe, dress, and eat, or help
them manage their household affairs.
HOMEMAKER -Persons who advise or help the RU member in dealing with problems, such as nutrition,
cleanliness, and household utilities because of his or her health problem.
NURSE’S AIDE -Persons who may perform any combination of tasks, and may be directed by nursing
and medical staff, to care for patients at home. Their duties may include bathing
patients; giving alcohol rubs; measuring and recording the intake and output of liquids;
taking and recording temperature, pulse and respiration rates; examining equipment to
detect maintenance needs and notifying the supervisor of these needs.
Item Number: HH70, PM120
Item Tag: HH1040, PM1200
Blaise Name: HHSpecCond, PmedCondRoster
Help Tag: SpecCondHelp
HEALTH PROBLEM -Diseases or ailments. A disease is an illness or disorder of the function of the body or
of certain tissues, organs, or systems, which is characterized by an identifiable group of
symptoms. An ailment is a mild mental or physical disorder. An example of a health
problem is influenza; some of its symptoms are fever, chills, and dizziness. Health
problems may be either physical or mental.
Be sure to record health problems only; do not record symptoms here unless the
respondent cannot give a condition name.
Item Number: HS50
Item Tag: HS1025
Blaise Name: ResnHosp
Help Tag: ResnHospHelp
OPERATION OR SURGICAL PROCEDURE -Choose this category only if the surgical procedure best describes the reason for the
hospital admission. A woman who gave birth by cesarean section should not be coded
under operation or surgical procedure because her primary purpose for entering the
hospital was to give birth.

76

An operation or surgical procedure includes any procedure which involves cutting into
the skin, including stitching of cuts and wounds. For this question, surgery includes the
following:
•
•
•
•

cutting of tissue or scraping of internal parts as in curettage of the uterus (e.g.,
abortions);
insertion of instruments in body openings for internal examination and treatment
such as bronchoscopy, proctoscopy, cystoscopy, cardiac catheterization (also
called angiography), laparoscopy, and introduction of tubes for drainage;
diagnostic biopsy including aspiration or needle biopsies; and
dental surgery.

Injections, transfusions and routine blood tests are not considered surgery here, nor are
pumping or washing out the stomach or bowels.
TREATMENT OR THERAPY, NOT INCLUDING SURGERY -The application of non-surgical remedies to counteract the effects of a disease or health
care problem. Some examples are therapeutic radiation and chemotherapy. Therapy
for mental health problems should not be included.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS ONLY -This category will be chosen if the main reason for the hospital stay is for the
administration of examinations or tests to detect the presence of a disease or physical
problem. Exclude hospital stays resulting from the treatment of a disease or physical
problem.
GIVE BIRTH TO A BABY - NORMAL OR CESAREAN SECTION (MOTHER) -Hospital stay due to the emergence and separation of offspring from the body of the
mother. Includes normal childbirth (delivery of baby through the birth canal) and
cesarean section (surgical operation for delivering a baby by cutting through the
mother’s abdominal and uterine walls).
TO BE BORN (BABY) -This category is for the newborn baby’s hospital stay.
PREGNANCY RELATED COMPLICATIONS -Code this category only to capture a hospital stay due to a reason related to a woman’s
pregnancy, where the result was not a live birth. This could include reasons such as
stillbirth, miscarriage, placenta previa, or other pregnancy-related complications that
resulted in a hospital-stay admission. If the result was a live birth, regardless of any
related complication, use the code ‘GIVE BIRTH TO A BABY’.
Item Number: PE30K
Item Tag: PE1080
Blaise Name: DxDiabetes
Help Tag: DxDiabetesHelp
77

DIABETES -Diabetes is a health problem caused by decreased production of insulin, or by
decreased ability to use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is
necessary for cells to be able to use blood sugar. Diabetes occurs in several forms, the
most common are: Type I, Type II, and gestational diabetes. However, do not include
any occurrence of gestational diabetes for this question.
Gestational diabetes starts or is first recognized during pregnancy. It usually becomes
apparent during the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy. In many cases, the blood-glucose
level returns to normal after delivery.
Item Number: ST30, ST50, ST60
Item Tag: ST1020, ST1030, ST1035
Blaise Name: RespMmbProxy, RespRoster, ProxyRoster
Help Tag: RespondentHelp
RESPONDENT RULES –
BEST/PREFERRED RESPONDENT-The best or preferred respondent for the interview is the person who is most
knowledgeable about the family’s health care and who is keeping records about health
care use and expenses since January 1st.
For Round 1, this is likely to be the person who was the respondent for the NHIS
interview and, in most cases, was the person contacted on the advance contact effort.
For Rounds 2-5, the best respondent is the person who was respondent for the previous
round’s interview.
SELECTING A NEW RU MEMBER AS RESPONDENT-If you need to select a new respondent for the RU, select an RU member who is at least
18 years old or older and knowledgeable about the family’s health care use and
expenses. Always encourage all adult RU members to assist with the interview,
especially if there is a specific RU member for whom the selected respondent cannot
provide all health information. Keep in mind that a new respondent may also be a new
member of the RU. Verify that the person is a member of the RU before selecting ‘RU
member’ for respondent type.
PROXY RESPONDENTS-A proxy respondent is someone who doesn’t live in the RU (including a relative). The
proxy could also be someone who lives in another RU in the DU (for example, an
informed caretaker if the RU member cannot answer for himself or herself).
If the respondent is an RU member from a different RU in the DU, you must first
determine if the person has joined the RU you are interviewing (usually through
marriage or a partnership relationship). In that case, the person is now an RU member

78

and not a proxy. However, if the person is indeed a member of a different RU, he or she
would be coded as a proxy respondent.
In a small number of cases it may not be possible to conduct an interview with an RU
member. Examples include:
•

A single person RU consisting of an elderly respondent with impaired memory or
who is unable to focus on the interview;

•

An RU where all members have died and/or entered an institution on or after the
first day of the reference period (for Round 1, this date is January 1st; for Rounds
2-5, this date is the date of the previous round’s interview).

The proxy respondent must be someone 18 years or older who can provide information
about the RU member(s) health care use and expenses during the person’s reference
period.
Before you complete the interview with a proxy, you must obtain approval from your
supervisor.
Note: If Round 1 and the only RU member died or entered an institution before January
1st, do not continue with the interview. Verify the date of death or institutionalization
and close out the case.
Item Number: ST70
Item Tag: ST1040
Blaise Name: ForQC
Help Tag: ForQCHelp
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -You have never recorded me before. Why now?
Prior to now we didn’t have the capability to record. Now that we do, we can use the
recordings to improve the survey and for quality control.
Which questions are you recording?
It is a random selection of questions that are selected for recording.
Do I have to be recorded?
No, we can continue the interview without the recording.
What are the recordings being used for? Who will hear them?
The recordings are mainly for quality control purposes. We will also use the recordings
to identify ways to improve the survey questions. Only MEPS project staff will have
access to the recordings. Your personal information will never be shared with anyone.
Item Number: RE320
79

Item Tag: RE1335
Blaise Name: InRUStat
Help Tag: InRUStatHelp
HH MEMBERSHIP RULES -Persons are considered members of this RU if they are related to the reference person
by blood, marriage, living together as married, adoption or foster care relationship and
meet the following criteria:
•
•

have no other permanent address elsewhere, or
spend most of the year in this dwelling unit even though they may have another
residence.

Consider persons who are just temporarily away (in a hospital, away on a business trip,
or on vacation) as still in this RU.
Item Number: RE340
Item Tag: RE1355
Blaise Name: WherePersNow
Help Tag: WherePersHelp
LIVING AWAY AT SCHOOL -A person who usually lives in the household, but at the specified time lives at a boarding
school, academy, or post-secondary school. If the person returns to the RU on
weekends, school holidays or vacations, we still consider him/her as ‘living away at
school’.
LIVING ON A MILITARY FACILITY -A person who lives in any building or grounds on an Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, or
Coast Guard base, military training school or academy (Army (West Point), Air Force,
Naval or Coast Guard academies); or any other facility owned exclusively for military
purposes. The person does not necessarily need to be on full-time active duty in the
armed forces to be living on a military facility.
INSTITUTIONALIZED IN A FACILITY –
A person is considered institutionalized if s/he is:
• living in a health care facility that provides 24-hour continuous skilled nursing and
personal care by trained medical personnel, regardless of age. These patients
receive ongoing treatment for chronic diseases or disabilities, and require
preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive services over long periods of
time; or
• living in a non-health care facility, if s/he is living in a correctional facility. Nonhealth care facilities include: Homes for juvenile delinquents, jails, and prisons.

80

Do not include community-based facilities, including community-based hospitals, as
institutionalized. Refer to the Community Based Living vs. Institutionalized Job Aid in the
Interview Quick Reference Guide for more information.
IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE/HOUSEHOLD -Person is living in another household. This includes persons who are living in a
different household, either inside the U.S. or outside the U.S. Do not include persons
who are living in an institution or are living away at school, either grades 1-12 or postsecondary, in this category. This category includes persons who are either civilian or
full-time active duty in the armed forces and living in a private residence.
DECEASED -The person is no longer living.
Item Number: RE440, RE830, OF190
Item Tag: REA1400, REA1900, OF1130
Blaise Name: InstPrvd24HrCare, Jan1InstTp, Jan1InstTp
Help Tag: InstTypeHelp
24-HOUR SKILLED NURSING CARE -Skilled nursing care involves licensed professionals performing services either for shortterm needs such as rehabilitation, or for long-term care for serious illnesses or
conditions. In addition to 24-hour skilled medical care for both acute and chronic
conditions due to an injury or illness, patients receive additional help for daily activities
of living.
Item Number: RE510, RE520
Item Tag: REA1480, REA1485
Blaise Name: AddPersNotNew, AddPersAny
Help Tag: MarriedHelp
To be a member of the RU the person must be related to the reference person. Related
includes blood, marriage, adoption, or linked by a marriage-like relationship.
LIVING TOGETHER AS MARRIED/PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS –
Respondents are asked to choose a marital status category that represents the legal
status of each RU member age 16 or older and those whose age is unknown. Code
separated or divorced only if the RU member is not living with the spouse for reasons of
marital discord. If the husband and wife are separated for purposes of their
employment, code them as married. Often respondents will report an RU member as
single – yet this does not describe the RU member’s legal status. A person reported as
single could be separated, divorced, widowed, or never married. Remember to probe
such responses to obtain the legal status.

81

In addition to marriage, two people in a ‘partner’ relationship who are not married are
considered related. This applies both to partners of the same sex and of different
sexes.
Because these are relationships between the household member and the Reference
Person that the respondent may not have considered or offered, you may need to probe
to determine if this category applies.
Example:
If the respondent is the Reference Person and is female and reports the relationship of
an unrelated male to be a ‘friend’, you would want to tactfully probe to determine if she
considers him her boyfriend or living together as married partners instead of just friends.
If she says they are living together as married, they would be considered related. If they
are not living together as if they are married partners, they should be viewed as
unrelated.
Item Number: RE900
Item Tag: REB1027
Blaise Name: RelCode
Help Tag: RelGridHelp
OTHER RELATED (NO SPECIFY) —
If none of the relationships listed apply, you can select “Other related (No Specify)”.
This code should also be used for extended relationships when a partner relationship
exists within the RU. For example, when a partnership relationship exists in the RU, the
code “Other Related (no specify)” can be used to reflect what the relationship would be
if the partners were actually married. When in doubt, it is better to code “Other Related,
(No Specify)” and include the person in the interview than to code “Not Related” for
someone who should be included in the interview.
The code “Other Related, (No Specify)” would also be used if a legal guardian and an
unrelated ward reside in the same household. If the guardian and ward are related by
blood, marriage or adoption, code their actual relationships to each other.
The code “Not Related” should only be used if you realize you have mistakenly added
someone to the RU who is definitely unrelated (i.e., friend, roommate, etc.). CAPI will
then remove that person from the RU and they will not be included in the current
interview.
Item Number: RE610
Item Tag: REA1650
Blaise Name: WhereStuNHIS
Help Tag: WhereStuNHIS
LIVING AWAY AT SCHOOL --

82

A person who usually lived in the household, but at the specified time lived at a
boarding school, academy, or post-secondary school. If the person returned to the RU
on weekends, school holidays or vacations, we still consider him/her as ‘living away at
school’.
LIVING ON A MILITARY FACILITY -A person who lived in any building or grounds on an Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, or
Coast Guard base, military training school or academy (Army (West Point), Air Force,
Naval or Coast Guard academies); or any other facility owned exclusively for military
purposes. The person did not necessarily need to be on full-time active duty in the
armed forces to be living on a military facility.
INSTITUTIONALIZED IN A FACILITY –
A person is considered institutionalized if s/he was:
• living in a health care facility that provides 24-hour continuous skilled nursing and
personal care by trained medical personnel, regardless of age. These patients
receive ongoing treatment for chronic diseases or disabilities, and require
preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive services over long periods of
time; or
• living in a non-health care facility, if s/he was living in a correctional facility. Nonhealth care facilities include: Homes for juvenile delinquents, jails, and prisons.
Do not include community-based facilities, including community-based hospitals, as
institutionalized. Refer to the Community Based Living vs. Institutionalized Job Aid in the
Interview Quick Reference Guide for more information.
IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE/HOUSEHOLD -Person was living in another household. This includes persons who were living in a
different household, either inside the U.S. or outside the U.S. Do not include persons
who were living in an institution or are living away at school, either grades 1-12 or postsecondary, in this category. This category includes persons who were either civilian or
full-time active duty in the armed forces and living in a private residence.
VOLUNTEERED LEFT OFF THE ROSTER AT NHIS -Person was living with this family, but was not included as part of the family.
Item Number: RJ130
Item Tag: RJ1165
Blaise Name: WhyLeftJob
Help Tag: WhyLeftJobHelp
JOB ENDED, TEMPORARY, SEASONAL, CONTRACT, ETC. -Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment based on the completion or
cancellation of a predetermined task or work order. For example, construction workers
may no longer be employed due to the fact that a specific project has been completed
and no subsequent projects have begun.
83

BUSINESS CLOSED OR SOLD -Voluntary or involuntary cessation of operations by the owners of the business.
RETIRED -Voluntary termination of employment usually the result of reaching a specified age and
tenure. Also include situations in which the person is no longer seeking main
employment due to a retirement decision.
ILLNESS, INJURY, HEALTH PROBLEM -Inability to work due to impairments, or physical or mental health problems. The
impairment or problem should be of such severity that it incapacitates the individual and
prevents him/her from doing any kind of gainful employment.
TERMINATED, FIRED, DISMISSED –
Employer ends job against the will of the employee. This can be due to issues with the
employee’s performance but it also may be due to factors outside the employee’s
control, such as company restructuring or the elimination of a position.
LAID OFF, LET GO -Persons are on layoff if they are waiting to be recalled to a job from which they were
temporarily separated for business-related reasons, such as temporary drops in
demand, business downturns, plant remodeling, material shortages, and inventory
taking. They must have either been given a date to report back to work or, if not given a
date, must expect to be recalled to their job within six months.
QUIT – FAMILY REASON, MATERNITY LEAVE-This answer category includes cases where an RU member ceases employment in
order to be in the household to take care of household duties, children, and/or spouse.
It also includes cases where an RU member may quit in order to be available to care for
another family member who is ill, either in the RU member’s home or elsewhere.
Maternity leave allows a pregnant RU member voluntarily terminates employment due
to the birth of her child or quits to take care of an adopted child.
QUIT -- SCHOOL -RU member is no longer employed in order to attend classes at any kind of public or
private school, including trade or vocational schools in which students receive no
compensation in money or kind, or only minimal educational stipends (fellowship,
scholarship).
QUIT – JOB RELATED REASON –
RU member voluntary leaves employer directly due to job related conditions. Examples
may include a difficult work environment, inconsistency or dissatisfaction with
scheduling or hours, change in position expectations or responsibilities, or relocation.
This incudes quitting due to taking another job.

84

QUIT – ANY OTHER REASON –
RU member voluntary leaves employer for any other reason. This may include wanting
time off from working or time off to pursue other interests such as volunteering or
personal hobbies.
Item Number: HH10, HH40
Item Tag: HH1015, HH1027
Blaise Name: CodeAllHcarWrkrProf, HHProfTp
Help Tag: HcarWrkrProfHelp
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) -Persons who provide general nursing care to patients at home. These persons must
have received training in order to be certified to perform these duties. Duties may
include things such as administering prescribed medicines and treatment in accordance
with approved nursing techniques. They may record significant conditions and
reactions and notify their supervisor of the patient’s condition and reaction to drugs,
treatments, and significant incidents. They may also take the patient’s temperature,
pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal.
DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST -Persons concerned with the application of the principles of nutrition to plan and
supervise the preparation and serving of meals. Includes planning menus and diets for
special nutritional requirements; participating in research; or instructing in the field of
nutrition.
I.V./INFUSION THERAPIST -A person who administers, monitors, and maintains equipment which is used to provide
medication or nutrition intravenously (placed in a person’s body by inserting a needle
into a vein). The needle is attached to a tube and bag, and is left in place for an
extended period of time. The bag is replaced when empty.
MEDICAL DOCTOR –
Include both doctors of medicine (M.D.) and doctors of osteopathy (D.O.).
NURSE/NURSE PRACTITIONER -The term nurse includes several types of nursing specialists, such as registered nurse
(RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), nurse’s aide, occupational health nurse,
community health nurse, or public health nurse (PHN).
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed additional training
beyond basic nursing education. They have qualifications which permit them to carry
out expanded health care evaluation and decision-making regarding patient care.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST -Medical persons who are concerned with improving the person’s ability to perform selfhelp tasks, tasks that are associated with employment activities, or tasks that allow an
85

individual to more fully enjoy and participate in leisure time activities. Occupational
therapy is used in retraining individuals after illnesses and accidents, as well as
providing ongoing help to persons with more permanent disabilities from stroke,
paralysis or deterioration from degenerative diseases such as arthritis or multiple
sclerosis.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST –
Medical person who is concerned with the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders with
physical agents and methods --such as massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercises,
cold, heat, hydrotherapy, electric stimulation, and light – to assist in rehabilitating
patients and in restoring normal function after an illness or injury.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST -Respiratory therapists (RT) specialize in the assessment and treatment of breathing
disorders resulting from chronic lung problems (e.g. asthma, bronchitis, emphysema,
COPD), as well as breathing disorders stemming from other conditions such as heart
attack, stroke, or trauma. Respiratory therapists are specialists in airway management,
mechanical ventilation, acid/base balance, and critical care medicine.
SOCIAL WORKER -A person who assists patients and their families in handling social, environmental, and
emotional problems associated with illness or injury. Can include social work
specialists, such as a medical or psychiatric social worker.
SPEECH THERAPIST -A medical person trained in the application and use of techniques aimed at improving
language and speech disorders.
Item Number: PE30A
Item Tag: PE1030
Blaise Name: DxHypertension
Help Tag: DxHypertensionHelp
HYPERTENSION -Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. It is defined as a long-term high
resting systolic blood pressure (the “top” number, which represents the pressure
generated when the heart beats) above 140, and/or high diastolic blood pressure (the
“bottom” number, which represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest)
above 90. Hypertension often has no symptoms, though patients often complain of
headaches. Treatment typically includes medications and lifestyle changes, such as
weight loss, exercise, and dietary adjustments. Do not include pregnancy-induced
hypertension, also known as preeclampsia, for this question.
Preeclampsia can happen in late pregnancy and is characterized by persistently high
blood pressure, swelling of the extremities, and protein in the urine. Typically with

86

pregnancy-induced hypertension, blood pressure returns to normal shortly after
delivery.
Item Number: HH50
Item Tag: HH1030
Blaise Name: HHProfTpOth
Help Tag: HHProfTpOthHelp
COMPANION -Persons who care for elderly, disabled, or convalescent persons by attending to the
patient’s personal needs, reading aloud, playing cards, or other games to entertain the
RU member because of the RU member’s health problem.
HOMEMAKER/HOUSE CLEANER -A homemaker is a person who advises or helps the RU member in dealing with
problems, such as nutrition, cleanliness, and household utilities because of his or her
health problem. A house cleaner is a person who provides cleaning services for the RU
member because of his or her health problem.
HOME HEALTH AIDE/HOME CARE AIDE -A certified health care worker who provides personal care and home management
services to allow patients to live in their own homes. Working under the supervision of a
physician or registered nurse, the home health aide may provide any of the following
services: patient bathing, exercise, dressing, assisting the patient with medications,
checking patient temperature, blood pressure, respiration, and pulse.
HOSPICE WORKER -A person who provides health and personal care in the home to persons who are dying.
They may administer medical treatments, help people bathe, dress, and eat, or help
them manage their household affairs.
NURSE’S AIDE -Persons who may perform any combination of tasks, and may be directed by nursing
and medical staff, to care for patients at home. Their duties may include bathing
patients; giving alcohol rubs; measuring and recording the intake and output of liquids;
taking and recording temperature, pulse and respiration rates; examining equipment to
detect maintenance needs and notifying the supervisor of these needs.
PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT -Non-medical persons who are usually paid (but can be unpaid) who help a disabled
person perform activities of daily living including: bathing, dressing, meal preparation,
feeding, paying bills, and transportation.
Item Number: OM30
Item Tag: OM1035
Blaise Name: Ambulance
87

Help Tag: OMTpHelp
AMBULANCE SERVICES -Any emergency vehicle used for transporting patients to a health care facility after injury
or illness. Includes three basic types of emergency transportation ground or surface,
helicopter, or airplane.
Item Number: RF110_01, RF40_01
Item Tag: RF1185, RF1050
Blaise Name: HCIInfo, AFInfo
Help Tag: AFInfoHelp
Step by step instructions for filing out Authorization Forms can be found in your
Interview Quick Reference Guide.
For MPC authorization forms, prepare one Authorization Form for each person-provider
pair displayed by CAPI. For Pharmacy authorization forms, prepare one Authorization
Form for each person-pharmacy pair displayed by CAPI. If no preprinted form is
available, use a blank AF from your bulk supplies. Make sure you are using a MPC
Form for person-provider pairs and a Pharmacy Form for person-pharmacy pairs.
Note: For Health Care Institutions (HCI), use a MPC Authorization Form and print ‘HCI’
on the top left corner of the form.
SIGNATURE RULES –
If patient is:
a. Age 18 or older
b. Age 14 through 17
c.
d.
e.
f.

Age 13 or younger
Unable to sign but able to make mark
Deceased
Unable to sign name or make mark

Then form should be signed by:
Only patient for Items 4 and 5,
unless one of d-f applies
Patient and Parent or Guardian
(Items 4-9)
Parent (Items 6-9)
Patient and Witness (Items 6-9)
Proxy (Items 6-9)
Proxy (Items 6-9)

LEAVING AFs WITH RESPONDENTS -For each absent person who needs to sign an authorization form, prepare an AF with
Sections A, C, and ‘Field Use Only’ filled out. Circle the item numbers on the lines
corresponding to Item 3 (Other Name) and the appropriate lines for patient and/or proxy
signature and date (Items 4-9) to indicate which items need to be completed by the
absentee signer(s).
Insert the prepared authorization form into the back pocket of the appropriate
Authorization Form Booklet. Make arrangements for authorization form follow up either
88

by mail or an in-person visit. If possible, make an appointment to return to the RU
within 10 days to pick up any outstanding forms. If the AFs are to be returned by mail,
leave an Authorization Form Booklet, the forms, a storage envelope and a postage-paid
envelope.
Item Number: RF50_01, RF120_01
Item Tag: RF1055, RF1190
Blaise Name: AFStat, HCIStat
Help Tag: AFStatHelp
SIGNED -With this code, you are required to enter the date on which the authorization form was
signed and the MPC or Pharmacy authorization form number.
LEFT WITH RESPONDENT –
Use this code if the eligible RU member is not present. Leave the Authorization Form
Booklet and prepared authorization form with the respondent to give to that person. No
additional information is required in CAPI with this authorization form status.
MAILED TO RESPONDENT –
Use this code if the eligible RU member is a student away at school or is away for an
extended period of time. Mail the Authorization Form Booklet and completed
authorization form to that person. No additional information is required in CAPI with this
code.
REFUSED (NO FORM LEFT) –
Use this code if the RU member refuses to sign the authorization form. A follow up
question as to the reason for the refusal is asked.
If you leave the form behind because you believe the person may reconsider signing,
use the status “LEFT WITH RESPONDENT” instead. Use this code only when the
person or respondent has refused and will not allow you to leave the authorization form
there.
OTHER (NOT SIGNED)-Use this code if none of the above authorization form status codes apply and the form
has not been signed. Specify the reason for using this code. Leave the Authorization
Form Booklet and prepared authorization form with the RU member or respondent.

Item Number: PM20
Item Tag: PM1040
Blaise Name: PmedDiab
Help Tag: PmedDiabHelp
INSULIN –
89

A chemical used in the treatment of diabetes. Typically, insulin is administered with a
syringe by the patient.
PRESCRIBED MEDICINE -Prescribed medicines are those ordered by a physician or other authorized medical
person through a written or verbal prescription for a pharmacist to fill. Prescription
medicines can also be given by a medical provider directly to a patient to take home,
such as free samples.
Prescription medicines do not include:
•
•
•
•

medicines administered to the patient during the event as part of the treatment
(such as an antibiotic shot for an infection, a flu shot, or a medicine taken orally);
diaphragms and IUDs (Intra-Uterine Devices);
prescriptions for eye glasses or contact lenses; or
over-the-counter medications that do not have a written prescription from a
doctor.

Some state laws require prescriptions for certain over-the-counter medicines.
Sometimes physicians write a prescription for over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin.
Therefore, consider any medicine a prescribed medicine if the respondent reports it as
prescribed. If it is an over-the-counter drug, however, the prescription must be a written
one to be filled by a pharmacist, not just an oral instruction. If in doubt, probe whether
the patient got a written prescription to fill at a pharmacy. If there is still any doubt,
report the medicine as a prescription medicine.
Item Number: IC10
Item Tag: IC1010
Blaise Name: ICPlaceTP
Help Tag: ICPlaceHelp
INPATIENT REHABILITATION FACILITY OR CONVALESCENT HOME -A nursing facility primarily designed to provide a home-like environment while patients
recover from long-term illnesses or medical procedures, or who require continued care
for an ongoing illness that is not in an acute stage. This is not the same as a retirement
home.
NURSING HOME -An institution that provides 24-hour continuous skilled nursing and other services to
people who need nursing and personal services as inpatients.
RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT CENTER –
A residential facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients with
mental or emotional disorders. Do not include ‘day care’ facilities for persons with
intellectual disabilities.

90

RESIDENTIAL EATING DISORDER TREATMENT CENTER –
A residential facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients with
eating disorders.
RESIDENTIAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL OR ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER –
A residential facility that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients with drug
and/or alcohol addiction disorders and/or other addiction disorders (i.e., gambling,
sexual).
RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE CARE –
A type of program that provides care and support services to the terminally ill. The
intent is to allow the patient to live as fully as possible. Care and support may come
from a variety of sources such as family, volunteers, nurses, social workers, the clergy,
as well as physicians.
Do not include hospice care services delivered at the patient’s home. Care provided in
the home should be coded as home health.
RESIDENTIAL RESPITE CARE –
Care received for only a limited time by severely disabled or impaired persons (e.g.,
quadriplegics, developmentally disabled children or adults, or Alzheimer’s patients) in a
long-term health care place (e.g., a nursing home) or another person’s home, as a way
of providing an interval of rest or relief to family members who are the usual primary
caregivers at home.
Item Number: PM180
Item Tag: PM1390
Blaise Name: PharmTp
Help Tag: PharmTpHelp
MAIL-ORDER -Refers to a service that delivers prescriptions through either the mail, a rapid mail
service such as Federal Express, or through United Parcel Service (UPS).
IN ANOTHER STORE -Pharmacies that are located within another store, such as a department or grocery
store. Pharmacies located within a K-mart or Wal-mart are common examples of this
type of pharmacy.
IN HMO/CLINIC/HOSPITAL -Pharmacies that are located within an HMO, clinic, or hospital facility.
DRUG STORE -An independent or chain retail store where the primary business is the service provided
by the pharmacy.

91

ON-LINE -An independent or chain retail store which fills prescriptions over the internet. A person
accesses and places their order with this type of pharmacy through a website.
Item Number: HP40
Item Tag: HP1037
Blaise Name: HIPurchCat
Help Tag: HIPurchCatHelp
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION -An organization of individuals that share a professional affiliation (for example, the
American Medical Association). Membership may include the right to buy health
insurance through the organization or association.
SMALL BUSINESS GROUP -A group of small businesses that band together to negotiate better deals on health
insurance for their employees than they could each negotiate on their own.
UNION -An organization of wage or salary earners formed for the purpose of serving their
collective interests with respect to wages, working conditions, and benefits. Participation
in a labor union normally requires that the employee pay dues that may be directly
deducted from their gross wages or salary.
INSURANCE AGENT -An individual primarily engaged in the business of selling insurance policies to the
public.
INSURANCE COMPANY -A corporation primarily engaged in the business of selling insurance policies to the
public.
HMO (HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION) -HMOs are a common type of insurance plan. If the respondent says s/he is or has been
covered by health insurance from an HMO, accept her/his response. If the respondent
needs clarification, use the definition below.
HMOs are organizations that have responsibility for providing comprehensive health
care services in exchange for fixed periodic payment. With an HMO, a person must
generally receive their care from HMO physicians; otherwise the expense is not covered
unless the person was referred by the HMO or there was a medical emergency. With
an HMO, the cost of a visit is typically covered in full or you have to pay a fixed amount
of money per visit.
HMOs can be sponsored by the government, medical schools, hospitals, employers,
labor unions, consumer groups, insurance companies, and hospital-medical plans.
92

PREVIOUS EMPLOYER -Health insurance purchased for this business through any former employer. The RU
member being asked about must have worked for this employer at some point in the
past.
STATE EXCHANGE NAME/MARKETPLACE -This is a “new” central marketplace where people can shop for health insurance plans
online, in person or by phone and access financial assistance to help pay for coverage.
Item Number: HX230
Item Tag: HX1325
Blaise Name: CodeAllGovtCovg
Help Tag: GovtCovgHelp
MEDICARE -A Federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and for certain persons
under 65 with long-term disabilities.
MEDICAID/SCHIP -Medicaid is often known by different names in different States, and is a Federally
assisted State-administered program. This program offers health benefits to low income
persons on public assistance and, in some states, to those deemed medically needy
because their incomes are only slightly above public assistance standards or because
they have incurred substantial medical bills.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a program which gives each state
permission to offer health insurance for children, up to age 19, who are not already
insured and for uninsured families with limited income and resources who earn too
much to qualify for Medicaid. SCHIP is a state administered program and may be
known by different names in different states.
TRICARE -TRICARE is a health care program for active duty and retired members of the uniformed
services, their families, and survivors. TRICARE offers eligible beneficiaries three
choices for their health care;
•
•
•

TRICARE Prime – where military treatment facilities are the principal source of
health care;
TRICARE Extra – a preferred provider option; and
TRICARE Standard – a fee-for-service option (the old CHAMPUS Program).

TRICARE for life covers uniformed service beneficiaries who have attained the age of
65, are Medicare-eligible, and have purchased Medicare Part B.
CHAMPVA -93

CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program for the spouse or widow(er) and for the
children of a veteran who is rated permanently and totally disabled due to a serviceconnected disability, or died of a service-connected disability, or died on active duty and
the dependents are not otherwise eligible for TRICARE benefits. Under CHAMPVA, the
Veterans Administration shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies
with eligible beneficiaries.
VA (VETERANS ADMINISTRATION) -This program provides health care to veterans of the Armed Forces (particularly those
with service-connected disabilities).
OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS -Any health insurance that is fully or partially paid for by state funds (state sponsored)
which provides hospital and physician benefits.
Item Number: RE170, RE1120
Item Tag: REA1225, REB1310
Blaise Name: WhoHonDisch, HonDischADuty
Help Tag: HonDischHelp
HONORABLY DISCHARGED —
This question asks whether the eligible RU member(s) listed (has/have) ever been
honorably discharged from active duty in the U.S. military. This does not include parttime service in the Reserves, unless the person’s Reserve unit was called up to full-time
active duty.
Item Number: ER30, HH80, OP50, OP60, MV60, MV70, IC30, HS40
Item Tag: ER1020, HH1045, OP1035, OP1040, MV1045, MV1050, IC1020, HS1020
Blaise Name: ERCondRoster, HHCondRoster, OPSpecCond, OPCondRoster,
MVSpecCond, MVCondRoster, ICCondRoster, IPCondRoster
Help Tag: CondHelp
CONDITION -A condition is a physical or mental health problem that can be identified by a health care
professional by examining you and by using tests.
Surgical procedures or operations are not considered conditions. A respondent may
report an operation as a condition. You will need to probe the respondent and record
the condition that led to the surgical procedure or operation.
While our goal is to enter the exact medical name on the Conditions Roster, sometimes,
even after probing, our respondent is unable to give us anything more than a symptom
or symptoms. For example, the respondent could say “I went to the doctor last month
because I was having stomach pains. He did some tests and didn’t find anything but my
stomach still hurt. I waited and finally it went away on its own.” In this case, a clear

94

diagnosis was never established and you should record the symptoms (in this case,
stomach pains) as the condition name.
For specific probes to use with respondents, refer to the Job Aid “Probes for Conditions”
in the Interview Quick Reference Guide.
Item Number: ED20
Item Tag: ED1035
Blaise Name: EvntDate
Help Tag: EvntDateHelp
STEP 1:
SHOW RESPONDENT HARDCOPY CALENDAR.
PROBE: We have to determine a date that you think is as close as possible to
when you visited (PROVIDER). What month did you visit (PROVIDER)?
STEP 2:
ADDITIONAL PROBES TO NARROW DOWN VISIT DATE:
PROBE: Did you visit (PROVIDER) at the beginning, middle, or end of the
month?
PROBE: Which week in the month did you visit (PROVIDER)?
PROBE: Did you visit (PROVIDER) on the weekday or weekend?
PROBE: Did you visit (PROVIDER) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, or Friday?
STEP 3:
IF RESPONDENT CANNOT OR WILL NOT PICK AN EXACT DATE, SELECT
A DATE THAT IS CLOSEST TO WHEN THEY THINK THE PERSON VISITED THE
PROVIDER.

95