Day 1 of this workshop will consist of lectures designed to provide a general overview of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) including information about survey design, file content, and the construction of analytic files. Particular emphasis will be on health care utilization, expenditures, and medical conditions.

Day 2 of the workshop is intended to give hands-on experience to participants. A laptop computer will be provided to each participant. The participants will apply the knowledge gained from the previous day's lectures and work with programmers and analysts on MEPS data. They will learn how to identify and pull together variables to build a data file to answer their research questions. Sample SAS exercises will be demonstrated. There will be time allotted for open discussion and for answering specific research questions from participants. To fully benefit from the second day, participants should have some prior knowledge of MEPS. A basic knowledge of SAS is desirable, but not essential.

The workshop is offered free of cost.

A full program description, registration form, and logistical information will be available by the last week of March 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, email workshopinfo@ahrq.hhs.gov.