Sample design, sampling variance, and estimation procedures for the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

This report presents the details of the sample design and estimation procedures used in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from its inception in 1973 through 1985. The survey produces estimates for visits made to office-based physicians for medical care. Sta# Preface This report presents a detailed description of the sample design and estimation procedures used in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) between 1973 and 1981, during 1985, and planned for use in 1989 and thereafter. The survey was conducted each year by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) of the University of Chicago under a contractual arrangement with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). of Michigan. Secondary stages of sampling were the responsibly of Iris Shimiiu of NCHS. all of NCHS, assisted with research leading to the secondary stage designs, Much of this report is based on published and unpublished manuscripts and on internal NCHS memoranda. Those documents were prepared primarily by the individuals cited above. Earl Bryant, in collaboration with Iris Shimizu, prepared the report for publication under a professional service agreement with NCHS.