Information Sheet

July 2009

 

NCHS Overview

 

PDF version (82 KB)

 

Overview

The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is the nation's principal health statistics agency, providing data to identify and address health issues. NCHS compiles statistical information to help guide public health and health policy decisions. These health statistics allow us to:

• Document the health status of the U.S. population and selected subgroups.
• Identify disparities in health status and use of health care by race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, region, and other population characteristics.
• Track major policy initiatives including health and health care reform.
• Document access to and use of the health care system.
• Monitor trends in health status, associated risk factors and health care delivery.
• Support biomedical and health services research.
• Provide data to support public policies and programs.
• Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of health policies and programs.

 

Health Topics Addressed by NCHS

NCHS produces data on a wide range of health indicators such as:

• Health insurance coverage and its relationship to access and utilization of health care services.
• Prevalence of health conditions such as obesity and overweight, cholesterol, hypertension, HIV status, and smoking among the U.S. population.
• Exposure to environmental chemicals.
• Patterns and relationships of risk factors to specific diseases and populations.
• Nutrition and physical activity.
• Growth charts to monitor the development of children.
• Patient safety and quality including adverse effects of medical treatment.
• Injuries and disabilities and their impact on health status and functioning.
• Infant mortality, life expectancy, and teen births.
• Leading causes of death specific to age, race, ethnic and gender groups.
• Emergency department use and capacity to measure terrorism preparedness.
• Practice of medicine in the U.S.; the increasing use of prescription drugs, evolution of health information technology, roles and practices of health care providers, and changes in the health care delivery system.

 

NCHS Data Sources

Collaborating with other public and private health partners, NCHS employs a variety of data collection mechanisms to obtain accurate information from multiple sources. This process provides a broad perspective to help us understand the population's health, influences on health, and health outcomes. Sources of data collection include:

• Birth and death certificates
• Medical records
• Personal interviews
• Standardized physical and dental examinations
• Laboratory tests

 

For further information about NCHS and its programs, visit us at NCHS Website, or call the Office of Planning, Budget and Legislation at 301-458-4100.