The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) is a national survey designed to meet the need for objective, reliable information about the provision and use of ambulatory medical care services in the United States. Findings are based on a sample of visits to nonfederally employed office-based physicians who are primarily engaged in direct patient care. Data are obtained on patients' symptoms, physicians' diagnoses, and medications ordered or provided. The survey also provides statistics on the demographic characteristics of patients and services provided, including information on diagnostic procedures, patient management, and planned future treatment.
Years Available: 1973-81, 1985, 1989-present
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: Physicians in the specialties of anesthesiology, pathology, and radiology are excluded from the survey.
Methods: Participating physician provides information on a sample of about 25 visits during a 1-week reporting period. Using an encounter form and a cross sectional national sample of approximately 3,000 non-Federal physicians in an office-based practice or approximately 1% of the universe.
Sampling Design: Each physician is randomly assigned to a 1-week reporting period. During this period, data for a systematic random sample of visits are recorded by the physician or office staff on an encounter form provided for that purpose.
Sample Size:
Unit of Observation: Physician and Patient
Limitations:
Data Format: SAS
Publisher: CDC Center for Health Statistics
URL:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/ahcd/namcsdes.htm
Variables: Data items located here