Restricted-Use Linked NAMCS HC Component – NDI Data

Through its data linkage program, NCHS has enhanced the analytic utility of National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) Health Center (HC) Component data by linking to death certificate data from the National Death Index (NDI). Linkage of NAMCS HC Component data with the NDI mortality data provides the opportunity to conduct a vast array of patient health outcome studies designed to investigate the association of a wide variety of health factors with mortality.

Descriptions of the methods used for linkage and analytic considerations for the NAMCS HC Component linkages to the NDI can be found in the following online report:

• 2021 NAMCS HC Component – 2021-2022 NDI: Matching Methodology and Analytic Considerations [PDF – 823 KB]

Data Access

Due to confidentiality requirements, the Restricted-use linked NAMCS HC Component-NDI data are accessible only through the NCHS Research Data Center (RDC) Network. All interested researchers must submit a research proposal to the RDC.  Please see the RDC website for instructions on submitting a proposal.

Data Dictionary

• Mortality Variables [PDF – 271 KB]
• Death Certificate and NDI Match Variables [PDF – 236 KB]

Cause of Death Codes

• Cause of Death: Underlying and Multiple-Cause [PDF – 1.9 MB]

Additional Resources

• National Death Index (NDI)