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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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General
- Q: What are the geographic units for which data are available?
- A: The basic ARF is maintained at the county level. Many different geographic codes are included on the file including: FIPS state code, metropolitan-micropolitan statistical area codes, Urban/Rural Continuum Code, Typology Codes, Economic Area Codes, and region codes so that the data can be easily aggregated to higher geographic levels. Effective with the 2001 release of the ARF, all independent cities and Alaska boroughs/census areas are available for 1992 and later data.
- Q: How often is the ARF released and when was the last release?
- A: The ARF is released annually. The 2007 version was released in 2008 and is the latest release.
- Q: What are the primary data sources?
- A: The ARF integrates data from numerous primary data sources including: the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, the American Osteopathic Association, the Bureau of the Census, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly Health Care Financing Administration), Bureau of Labor Statistics, InterStudy and the Veteran’s Administration.
- Q: Can I order historical data that are on an older version of the ARF?
- A: Yes, historic versions of the ARF are available for purchase. The cost for historic versions is the same as the current version.
- Q: What is the appropriate citation for the ARF?
- A: For the most current release: Area Resource File (ARF). 2007. US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, Rockville, MD.
Cost
- Q: What is the cost of the file?
- A: $500 for the basic file, $800 for the Access version
- Q: What payment methods are accepted?
- A: Purchase orders, checks, and Visa/Master Card credit cards.
- Q: I purchased a previous version of the ARF. Can I get an update for free or at a reduced cost?
- A: There are no discounted or free updates.
- Q: Are there any discounts for students or universities?
- A: No.
Acquisition
- Q: How quickly can I receive the file after ordering?
- A:After a check or purchase order has been received, the file is shipped via FedEx overnight.
- Q: What do I do if I am planning on using the data under government contract?
- A: Please contact the ARF Project Officer.
- Q: Can special files be prepared if I don't want to order the entire file?
- A: Yes, QRS can quote you a price if you provide the specific variables and specifications for the data you are requesting.
- Q: Can I be notified upon the release of the next version of the ARF?
- A: Yes, a list of e-mail and mailing addresses is maintained each year that is used for notification of new releases.
Usage
- Q: What software package do I need to use the file?
- A: Because the ARF is a large ASCII file, software such as SAS, SPSS or COBOL or any high level programming language capable of processing large files must be used to extract data.
- Q: Can I use the data with database and spreadsheet packages such as MS Access, Excel, etc.?
- A: The standard data file must be read with the software mentioned above, but the 2007 ARF Access System is also available. This version has a built-in, user friendly front-end that enables the user to extract the desired data into Access or Excel formats. You can also access the data in the MS Access tables directly.
- Q: How do I use the data with SAS or SPSS?
- A: A SAS file definition is included with the documentation. This definition can be modified for use with SPSS. When using SAS with the 2001 and previous versions, be sure to include recfm=f in your infile statement. For the 2002 (and later) versions, do not include recfm=f in your infile statement. When using SPSS with the 2001 and previous versions, you should include mode=image and recfm=f in your infile statement.
- Q: What are the file specifications?
- A: The ARF is an ASCII file with a fixed record format and a record length of 31818 (for the 2007 release). The current release of the ARF has 3225 records (one for each county and independent city in the U.S. as well as one for each county equivalent in the following U.S. territories: Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands). There are approximately 6000 variables for each county. The file size is approximately 100MB. Programming software, such as SAS, SPSS or COBOL is needed to extract data from the file, unless using the MS Access version.
ARF Access Questions
- Q: What software package do I need to use the ARF Access System?
- A: The ARF Access System uses Microsoft Access. MS Access 2000 or later version is required. It should be noted, however, that though Microsoft Access is required, no knowledge of MS Access is required.
- Q: What data are available on the ARF Access System?
- A: The 2007 version of ARF Access was released June 2008. To find out what variables are on this release, click here.
- Q: What is the cost of ARF Access?
- A: $800
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