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Central Distributor SID: Description of Data Elements

 
MEDINCSTQ - Median household income state quartile for patient ZIP Code
 
Documentation Sections:
General Notes
Uniform Values
State Specific Notes
General Notes
 

This categorical variable (MEDINCSTQ) provides a quartile classification of the estimated median household income for the state. The cut-offs for the quartile designation for each state is determined using ZIP Code-demographic data obtained from Claritas. The assignment of MEDINCSTQ for a particular discharge is based on the median income of the patient's ZIP Code. The quartiles are identified by values of 1 to 4, indicating the poorest to wealthiest populations, respectively. Because these estimates are updated annually, the value ranges for the MEDINCSTQ categories vary by year and state. The income quartile value is missing (.) for homeless and foreign patients.

 
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Uniform Values
 
VariableDescriptionValueValue Description
MEDINCSTQMedian household income state quartile for patient ZIP Code1First quartile
2Second quartile
3Third quartile
4Fourth quartile
.Missing
.AInvalid
 
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State Specific Notes

None

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Internet Citation: HCUP Central Distributor SID Description of Data Elements - All States. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). August 2008. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/db/vars/siddistnote.jsp?var=medincstq.
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Last modified 8/12/08