MEPS Show Cards Fall 2023
Show Cards Table of Contents
Card Number | ||
---|---|---|
AC-1 | HX-3 | PP-1 |
AC-2 | HX-4 | PP-2 |
AC-3 | HX-5 | PP-3 |
AS-1 | HX-6 | PP-4 |
AS-2 | HX-7 | PP-5 |
CP-1 | IC-1 | PP-6 |
CP-2 | IN-1 | PP-7 |
CS-1 | IN-2 | PP-8 |
CS-2 | IN-3 | PP-9 |
CS-3 | IN-4 | PP-10 |
CS-4 | MV-1 | PP-11 |
DN-1 | MV-2 | PP-12 |
DN-2 | MV-3 | PP-13 |
ER-1 | MV-4 | PP-14 |
ER-2 | OM-1 | PP-15 |
EV-1A | OM-2 | PP-16 |
EV-1B | OP-1 | RE-1 |
HE-1 | OP-2 | RE-2 |
HH-1 | OP-3 | RE-3 |
HH-2 | OP-4 | ST-1 |
HS-1 | PE-1 | TH-1 |
HX-1 | PE-2 | TH-2 |
HX-2 | PE-3 | TH-3 |
CARD AC-1
- White
- Black / African American
- Asian
- Indian/Native American/Alaska Native
- Other Pacific Islander
- Some other race
CARD AC-2
- Very difficult
- Somewhat difficult
- Not too difficult
- Not at all difficult
CARD AC-3
- Never
- Sometimes
- Usually
- Always
CARD AS-1
- 0 - 10,000
- 10,001 - 25,000
- 25,001 - 50,000
- 50,001 - 100,000
- 100,001 - 250,000
- 250,001 - 500,000
- 500,001 - 1,000,000
- 1,000,001 or more
CARD AS-2
- 0 - 1,000
- 1,001 - 5,000
- 5,001 - 10,000
- 10,001 - 25,000
- 25,001 - 50,000
- 50,001 - 100,000
- 100,001 - 250,000
- 250,001 - 500,000
- 500,001 or more
CARD CP-1
- Paid at time of visit
- Made a co-payment
- Bill sent directly to other source
- Bill has not arrived
No Bill Sent:
- HMO Plan
- VA (Veterans Affairs)/CHAMPVA
- Military facility
- Public Assistance/Medicaid/SCHIP
- Indian Health Service (IHS)
- Worker's Compensation
- Private health center/Clinic
- Public clinic/Health center or private charity
- Telephone call – No charge
- Free from provider
- Government-Financed research and clinical trials
CARD CP-2
- 0
- 1 - 10
- 11 - 30
- 31 - 100
- 101 or More
CARD CS-1
- 0 No problem
- 1
- 2 Some problem
- 3
- 4 A very big problem
CARD CS-2
- Never
- Sometimes
- Usually
- Always
CARD CS-3
- None
- 1 time
- 2 times
- 3 times
- 4 times
- 5 to 9 times
- 10 or more times
CARD CS-4
- 0 Worst health care possible
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10 Best health care possible
CARD DN-1
- General dentist
- Pediatric dentist
- Dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Endodontist, Periodontist)
- Dental hygienist
CARD DN-2
Diagnostic or Preventive
- General exam, check-up, or consultation
- Cleaning, prophylaxis, polishing, or periodontal recall visit (Periodic or regular)
- X-rays, radiographs, or bitewings
- Fluoride treatment
- Sealant (Plastic coatings on back teeth)
Restorative or Endodontic
- Fillings, inlays, crowns or caps
- Root canal
Periodontic (Gum Treatment)
- Periodontal scaling, root planing, or gum surgery
Oral Surgery
- Extraction, tooth pulled, or other oral surgery
- Implants
Prosthetics
- Fixed bridges, dentures or removable partial dentures, relining or repair of bridges or dentures
Orthodontics
- Orthodontia, braces, or retainers
Additional Procedures
CARD ER-1
- Diagnosis or treatment
- Emergency (e.g., accident or injury)
- Psychotherapy or mental health counseling
- Follow-up or post-operative visit
- Immunization or shots
- Pregnancy-Related (Including prenatal care and delivery)
CARD ER-2
- Laboratory tests
- Sonogram or ultrasound
- X-rays
- Mammogram
- MRI or CAT scan
- EKG, ECG, or EEG
- Vaccination
CARD EV-1A
- Hospital – Inpatient Stay
- Hospital Emergency Room
- Hospital Outpatient Department
- Dental Office
- Medical Provider Office or Clinic
- Telehealth
- Care Received at Home
-
Residential or Long Term Care Facility
- e.g., Nursing home, rehabilitation facility, drug treatment, psychiatric facility
- e.g., Nursing home, rehabilitation facility, drug treatment, psychiatric facility
CARD EV-1B
- Hospital – Inpatient Stay
- Hospital Emergency Room
- Hospital Outpatient Department
- Dental Office
- Medical Provider Office or Clinic
- Telehealth
- Care Received at Home
-
Residential or Long Term Care Facility
- e.g., Nursing home, rehabilitation facility, drug treatment, psychiatric facility
- e.g., Nursing home, rehabilitation facility, drug treatment, psychiatric facility
- Glasses/Contact Lenses
- Other Medical Expenses
CARD HE-1
- No difficulty
- Some difficulty
- A lot of difficulty
- Completely unable to do it
CARD HH-1
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Dietitian/Nutritionist
- I.V. or infusion therapist
- Medical doctor
- Nurse/Nurse practitioner
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
- Respiratory therapist
- Social worker
- Speech therapist
CARD HH-2
- Companion
- Homemaker or house cleaner
- Home health aide or home care aide
- Hospice worker
- Nurse's aide
- Personal care attendant
CARD HS-1
- Operation or surgical procedure
- Treatment or therapy, not including surgery
- Diagnostic tests only
- Give birth to a baby - Normal or Caesarean section (Mother)
- To be born (Baby)
- Pregnancy-Related complications
CARD HX-1

CARD HX-2
- Employer or union (through anyone’s current or previous job)
- Directly from the Health Insurance Marketplace or Federal Marketplace
- Directly from an insurance company or agent/broker
- From a group or association
- Under a plan of someone not living here
CARD HX-3
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- SCHIP
- TRICARE
- CHAMPVA
- VA
- Other government program providing hospital and physician benefits
CARD HX-4
- 1 - 50
- 51 - 100
- 101 - 200
- 201 - 300
- 301 or more
CARD HX-5
- 1 - 30
- 31 - 60
- 61 - 90
- 91 - 120
- 121 or more
CARD HX-6
- Hospital and physician benefits, including coverage through an HMO
- Dental
- Prescription drugs
- Vision
- Medicare supplement/Medigap
CARD HX-7
- From a professional association
- From a small business group
- Directly from an insurance company or agent/broker
- Directly from the Health Insurance Marketplace or Federal Marketplace
- Employer or union (through anyone’s current or previous job)
CARD IC-1
- Inpatient rehabilitation facility or convalescent home
- Nursing home
- Residential mental health treatment center
- Residential eating disorder treatment center
- Residential drug and alcohol or addiction treatment center
- Residential hospice care
- Residential respite care
CARD IN-1
- 1 - 5,000
- 5,001 - 10,000
- 10,001 - 15,000
- 15,001 - 25,000
- 25,001 - 50,000
- 50,001 - 100,000
- 100,001 or more
CARD IN-2
- 1 - 100
- 101 - 500
- 501 - 1,000
- 1,001 - 5,000
- 5,001 - 15,000
- 15,001 or more
CARD IN-3
- 1 - 250
- 251 - 500
- 501 - 750
- 751 - 1,000
- 1,001 or more
CARD IN-4
- Wages and salary
- Farm income (or loss)
- Business income (or loss)
- Social Security/Railroad retirement
- Private, military, or government pensions
- Interest
- Dividends
- Rental income (or loss)
- Other source
CARD MV-1
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology (Heart)
- Dermatology (Skin)
- Endocrinology/Metabolism (Diabetes, Thyroid)
- Family practice
- Gastroenterology
- General practice
- General surgery
- Gynecology/Obstetrics
- Internal medicine (Internist)
- Nephrology (Kidneys)
- Neurology
- Oncology (Tumors, Cancer)
- Ophthalmology (Eyes)
- Orthopedics
- Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, nose, throat)
- Pediatrician
- Psychiatry/Psychiatrist
- Urology
- Other
CARD MV-2
- Acupuncturist
- Chiropractor
- Dentist/Dental care person
- Homeopathic/Naturopathic/Herbalist/Other alternative/Complementary care provider
- Massage therapist
- Mental health counselor/Marital or family therapist
- Midwife
- Nurse/Nurse practitioner
- Optometrist
- Physical/Occupational therapist
- Physician assistant
- Podiatrist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Technician
- Other
CARD MV-3
- General checkup
- Diagnosis or treatment
- Emergency (e.g., accident or injury)
- Psychotherapy or mental health counseling
- Follow-up or post-operative visit
- Immunizations or shots
- Vision exam
- Pregnancy-Related (Including prenatal care and delivery)
- Well child exam
- Laser eye surgery
CARD MV-4
- Laboratory tests
- Sonogram or ultrasound
- X-rays
- Mammogram
- MRI or CAT scan
- EKG, ECG, or EEG
- Vaccination
CARD OM-1
Disposable Supplies such as...
- Ostomy supplies
- Bandages and dressings
- Tape
- Adult disposable diapers
- Catheters
- Syringes not prescribed by a physician
- IV supplies
- At-Home COVID-19 Tests
- Masks and respirators
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
CARD OM-2
Medical Equipment such as...
Mobility aids
- Walker
- Scooter
- Wheelchair
- Braces
Equipment used in the home
- Hospital bed
- Monitor
- Bed pan
- Lift
- Special chair
- Adaptive feeding equipment
Home and automobile modifications
- Ramp
- Elevator
- Handrails
- Automobile modifications
Hearing and speech assistance
- Hearing aid
- Amplifier for a telephone
- Adaptive speech equipment
Other
- Blood pressure monitor
- Oxygen
- Vaporizer or nebulizer
CARD OP-1
- Cardiology (Heart)
- Endocrinology/Metabolism (Diabetes, Thyroid)
- Family practice
- Gastroenterology
- General practice
- General surgery
- Gynecology/Obstetrics
- Internal Medicine (Internist)
- Nephrology (Kidneys)
- Neurology
- Oncology (Tumors, Cancer)
- Ophthalmology (Eyes)
- Orthopedics
- Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose, Throat)
- Pediatrician
- Physical medicine/Rehab
- Psychiatry/Psychiatrist
- Radiology
- Urology
- Other specialty
CARD OP-2
- Acupuncturist
- Chiropractor
- Dentist/Dental care person
- Homeopathic/Naturopathic/Herbalist/Other alternative/Complementary care provider
- Massage therapist
- Mental health counselor/Marital or family therapist
- Midwife
- Nurse/Nurse practitioner
- Optometrist
- Physical/Occupational therapist
- Physician assistant
- Podiatrist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Technician
- Other
CARD OP-3
- General checkup
- Diagnosis or treatment
- Emergency (e.g., accident or injury)
- Psychotherapy or mental health counseling
- Follow-up or post-operative visit
- Immunizations or shots
- Vision exam
- Pregnancy-Related (Including prenatal care and delivery)
- Well child exam
- Laser eye surgery
CARD OP-4
- Laboratory tests
- Sonogram or ultrasound
- X-Rays
- Mammogram
- MRI or CAT scan
- EKG, ECG, or EEG
- Vaccination
CARD PE-1
- Heart murmur
- Heart arrhythmia/Irregular heartbeat
- Blocked or clogged artery
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Enlarged heart
- Heart valve problems (e.g., leaky, blocked, collapsed)
- Tachycardia/Rapid heart rate
- Bradycardia/Slow heart rate
- Other
CARD PE-2
- Bladder
- Blood
- Bone
- Brain
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colon
- Esophagus
- Gallbladder
- Kidney/Renal
- Larynx-Windpipe
- Leukemia
- Liver
- Lung
- Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin’s)
- Mouth/Tongue/Lip
- Ovarian
- Pancreas
- Prostate
- Rectum
- Skin – Melanoma
- Skin – Non-Melanoma
- Skin (unknown type)
- Soft tissue muscle or fat
- Stomach
- Testicular
- Throat or Pharynx
- Thyroid
- Uterine
- Other
CARD PE-3
- Within the last 7 days
- More than 7 days ago, but within last 30 days
- More than 30 days ago
CARD PP-1
- Admitted to the hospital for one or more nights
CARD PP-2
- Any type of care received in a hospital emergency room
CARD PP-3
Same-day care received at a hospital outpatient department such as...
- Surgery centers
- Cancer treatment centers
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation centers
- Cardiology centers
- Obesity treatment centers
- Radiology and imaging centers
CARD PP-4
Primary care doctor such as...
- General practitioner
- Internist
- Pediatrician
- Family medicine provider
- Medical doctor
CARD PP-5
Such as...
- Orthopedist
- Cardiologist
- Dermatologist
- Oncologist
- Neurologist
- Gynecologist
- Allergist
- Gastroenterologist
- Surgeon
- Kidney specialist (Nephrologist)
- Radiologist
- Ear, nose and throat specialist (Otorhinolaryngologist)
- Urologist
- Podiatrist
- Audiologist
- Any other type of medical specialist
CARD PP-6
Such as...
- Dentists
- Oral surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Dental assistants
- Dental hygienists
- Pediatric dentists
- Endodontists
- Periodontists
- Dental technicians
- Other type of dental care provider
CARD PP-7
Such as...
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Licensed clinical social worker
- Mental health therapist
- Counselor
- Psychiatric social worker
- Other mental health professional
CARD PP-8
Such as...
- Nurse (RN, LPN, PHN, BSN)
- Nurse practitioner
- Nurse aide
- Physician assistant (PA)
- Midwife
- Health aide
CARD PP-9
Such as...
- Walk-in urgent care
- Retail clinic – in a pharmacy
- Retail clinic – in a grocery store
- Family planning center
- College or university clinic
- Employer clinic
- Free clinic
- Infirmary
- Other type of health clinic
CARD PP-10
Such as...
- Independent medical lab
- Testing facility lab
CARD PP-11
Such as...
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Speech therapist
- Chiropractor
- Physiatrist
- Behavioral therapist
- Other type of therapist
CARD PP-12
Such as...
- Optometrist
- Ophthalmologist
- Vision technician
- Optician
- Orthoptist
- Other eye care professional
CARD PP-13
Such as...
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnosis
- Naturopathic care
- Herbalist
- Other alternative care professional
CARD PP-14
Care received from someone who visited your home, such as...
Skilled medical care from -
- a home care nurse,
- any type of therapist,
- a social worker,
- anyone else providing nursing or medical care
Personal care services such as help with -
- bathing,
- dressing,
- taking medication
Household chore services
- help with cooking
- help with cleaning
Companionship services such as -
- reading,
- talking,
- going for a walk or drive
Any other type of home care
CARD PP-15
Residential or long-term care received at places such as...
- Nursing home for rehabilitation services
- Inpatient rehabilitation facility or convalescent home
- Hospice care
- Respite care
- Mental health treatment center
- Drug and alcohol treatment center
- Addiction treatment center
- Eating disorder treatment center
- Other treatment center
CARD PP-16
MEPS counts many things you might not think of as health care:
Preventive and Diagnostic Care
- Diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, mammograms, MRI or CAT scans
- Vaccinations for children and adults, flu shots and allergy shots
- Blood pressure checks and other types of heart health monitoring
- All types of preventive care, including well visits
Acute Illness Care
- Hospital stays, even if just part of a day or longer
- Care received at the Emergency Room or Urgent Care Centers
- Care at walk-in clinics such as clinics at work, or in a pharmacy (Minute Clinics)
- Sick visits to a doctor, nurse or physician assistant
Continuing Medical Treatment
- Care received at home by visiting nurses or other home health aides
- Cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation
- Dialysis
- Counseling and other care from psychologists or mental health specialists
- Physical, speech or occupational therapy
- Chiropractic care, acupuncture, homeopathic or other alternative care
Other Types of Care
- Pre-natal care, and all other obstetrician/gynecological care
- Pre-op care before surgery, the surgery and the follow-up care
- Eye exams and prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Prescription medicines including birth control, insulin and diabetic supplies
- Phone calls to medical providers or labs to check test results
- Dental check-ups and orthodontic care (braces)
- Oral surgery
And much more -- ask your interviewer if you are not sure what to include!
CARD RE-1
One or more categories may be selected.
- September 2001 or later
- August 1990 to August 2001, including the Persian Gulf War
- May 1975 to July 1990
- Vietnam era, August 1964 to April 1975
- February 1955 to July 1964
- Korean War, July 1950 to January 1955
- January 1947 to June 1950
- World War II, December 1941 to December 1946
- November 1941 or earlier
CARD RE-2
One or more categories may be selected.
- Mexican
- Mexican-American/Chicano
- Puerto Rican
- Cuban/Cuban American
- Dominican
- Central or South American
CARD RE-3
One or more categories may be selected.
- White
- Black or African American
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- Asian Indian
- Chinese
- Filipino
- Japanese
- Korean
- Vietnamese
- Other Asian
- Native Hawaiian
- Guamanian or Chamorro
- Samoan
- Other Pacific Islander
CARD ST-1
The Purpose of This Research
The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) is one of the major research efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). MEPS is an ongoing, nationwide survey that studies the cost of health care and the way Americans pay for that health care. Information is collected through household interviews and linked to information collected from your medical providers.
How Your Household Can Participate
Information for this survey is collected for all family members living in your household. Generally, one adult family member answers the survey questions for the entire family although all family members are encouraged to be present. Interviews are conducted by trained field interviewers who call on you at home to conduct the interview. We want to assure you that safeguarding your health during the coronavirus is our highest concern. We are monitoring conditions week by week.
Each household is asked to complete 5 interviews over a 2 ½ year period. While the length of each in-person interview varies depending on family size and health experiences, the average interview can be completed in about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Having notes or records of your family’s health care will make it easier to answer the survey questions. The interviewer will ask about your family’s visits for health care and about related topics that help researchers understand health care experiences such as age, education, health status, employment, and health insurance coverage.
Protecting the Confidentiality of the Information You Provide
This survey is authorized under 42 U.S.C.299a. Privacy is protected by the Privacy Act and Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 299c-3(c) and 42 U.S.C. 242m(d)]. The confidentiality of your responses to this survey is protected by Section 944(c). Information that could identify you will not be disclosed unless you have consented to that disclosure. All personally identifiable information such as names or addresses will be removed before information from this survey is released to researchers outside the Department of Health and Human Services.
Participation in MEPS
Households selected for MEPS have an opportunity to provide an important and valuable public service. Participation in the study is voluntary. There is no penalty or loss of benefits if a household or an individual member of the household chooses not to participate in the study or in any particular part of the study.
Benefits of This Research
MEPS data are used by researchers in Federal and State governments, universities, and the private sector to understand the costs of health care and inform decisions about health care issues.
To Learn More About MEPS
To learn more about this study, you may visit the study website at: http://www.meps.ahrq.gov or contact Alex Scott, a study representative at 1-800-945-MEPS (6377).
CARD TH-1
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology (Heart)
- Dermatology (Skin)
- Endocrinology/Metabolism (Diabetes, Thyroid)
- Family practice
- Gastroenterology
- General practice
- General surgery
- Gynecology/Obstetrics
- Internal medicine (Internist)
- Nephrology (Kidneys)
- Neurology
- Oncology (Tumors, Cancer)
- Ophthalmology (Eyes)
- Orthopedics
- Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, nose, throat)
- Pediatrician
- Psychiatry/Psychiatrist
- Urology
- Other
CARD TH-2
- Acupuncturist
- Chiropractor
- Dentist/Dental care person
- Homeopathic/Naturopathic/Herbalist/Other alternative/Complementary care provider
- Massage therapist
- Mental health counselor/Marital or family therapist
- Midwife
- Nurse/Nurse practitioner
- Optometrist
- Physical/Occupational therapist
- Physician assistant
- Podiatrist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Technician
- Other
CARD TH-3
- General checkup
- Diagnosis or treatment
- Emergency (e.g., accident or injury)
- Psychotherapy or mental health counseling
- Follow-up or post-operative visit
- Immunizations or shots
- Vision exam
- Pregnancy-Related (Including prenatal care and delivery)
- Well child exam
- Laser eye surgery