Description

For all medication-round fills, except diabetic equipment and supplies (see RXNAME), MULTC1S1 reports the first sub-class within the first class (MULTC1) a drug is assigned using the Multum Lexicon database therapeutic classification system. Diabetic equipment and supplies are assigned a value of 0: "Not in Universe."

MULTC1S1 is part of the Multum Lexicon database variable set. Cerner Multum, Inc. develops the Multum Lexicon database that MEPS uses to classify drugs reported by respondents in the MEPS-HC into the therapeutic class, sub-class, and sub-sub-class variables. In this classification system, each drug is assigned to a maximum of three therapeutic classes, such as cardiovascular agents or psychotherapeutic agents. Within each therapeutic class, drugs can also be assigned to one or more sub-classes, such as diuretics or antidepressants. Within each sub-class, drugs can also be assigned to one or more sub-sub-classes, such as loop diuretics or SSRI antidepressants. IPUMS MEPS currently offers the first therapeutic class (MULTC1) a drug was assigned to as well as the corresponding sub-classes and sub-sub-classes.

In 2020 and 2021, AHRQ has issued a correction for a small number of records that were incorrectly assigned the code for "ALBUTEROL". These instead should have been assigned as "INSULIN GLAGINE". For more specific information, please see AHRQ documentaion for 2020 and 2021. IPUMS MEPS will correct this variable in the near future.

For related variables and more information about the Multum Lexicon database variable set, please see MULTC1.

Comparability

The Multum Lexicon database therapeutic classification system has changed over time. See the MULTC1 comparability tab for more information about using this variable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1996-2022

Weights

• 1996-2022 : PERWEIGHT

Flags