Fwd: SAVE THE DATE - MEPS-HC Data Users’ Workshop - September 19, 2017

​ SAVE THE DATE AHRQ will be conducting a one-day hands-on MEPS-HC Data Users' Workshop in Rockville, MD, on September 19, 2017. This workshop will consist of lectures designed to provide a general overview of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) https://meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/ along with lectures on MEPS-HC survey design, health care utilization, expenditures, medical conditions; and statistical issues and challenges researchers face while analyzing MEPS-HC data. There will also be time allotted for the hands-on experience to participants. The participants will apply the knowledge gained from the morning lectures and work with programmers and analysts on MEPS data in the afternoon.  They will learn how to identify and assemble variables to build a data file to answer their research questions. Sample SAS as well as STATA exercises will be demonstrated. Participants are asked to bring their own laptops with their choice of software preloaded on it. We will provide the digital version of the exercises (SAS & STATA) and slides to the attendees. During the Hands-on session, participants will have opportunity to talk to programmers individually for answering their specific research questions and there will be time allotted for open discussion. The workshop is offered free of charge. A full program description, registration form, and logistical information will be available by mid-July on the Workshops & Events page of the MEPS Web site at: http://meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/about_meps/workshops_events.jsp. For any other questions, please e-mail workshopinfo@ahrq.hhs.gov. AHRQ will also offer a one-day workshop on the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) on the same day as the MEPS workshop. Registration for the HCUP workshop will open by late July.  Information will be available on http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/.   Participants may not register for both workshops, as they will be given concurrently.  For questions about the HCUP workshop, please email hcup@ahrq.gov.