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Both MEPS and MCBS
are ongoing longitudinal panel surveys that are continually being
enhanced, modified, and revised to meet the need for timely data
to answer policy-relevant questions.
Both of these surveys,
initially designed primarily to provide information on access,
cost, and use of medical services, have evolved to provide enhanced
capacity to assess quality of care and health outcomes including
functional status. Survey supplements (e.g. care giving) periodically
provide increased depth on special topics. Inclusion of self-administered
questionnaires in MEPS provides nationally representative data
on patient experiences with care and health-related quality of
life. Oversampling of at-risk populations yields enhanced capacity
to answer questions specific to these populations.
Feedback is welcome
from investigators, whose insights can contribute to the continued
improvement and capacities of these surveys. Email with suggestions
and feedback to the contact address on the Web provides valuable
information to survey designers. The email address for MEPS is
mepspd@ahrq.gov, and the
Web address for MCBS is http://www.cms.gov/feedback/
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