Description

For all event-medication-round link records, MEPSRXLKIDK uniquely identifies event-medication-round link records across MEPS panels. MEPSRXLKIDK is created by combining MEPSEVNTIDK and MEPSLINKIDK. IPUMS MEPS staff create MEPSRXLKIDK to provide a single unique identifier for event-medication-round link records across all MEPS panels.

MEPSRXLKIDK is on the event-medication-round link record. Please see our overview of the event, medical conditions, and prescribed medicines variables , including how those variables are offered through IPUMS MEPS, and general considerations to keep in mind when conducting analyses using these variables.

Users should note that beginning in 2021, AHRQ discontinued the public use version of the RXLK file, which contained all K RECTYPE variables. AHRQ determined that the data in the RXLK file are not useful for studies of prescriber behavior because so few drugs link to prescribers. IPUMS MEPS continues to offer the RXLK variables for the 1996-2020 samples. Users interested in the RXLK variables for the 2021-forward samples can refer to AHRQ's webpage on procedures to access restricted variables in a data center.

MEPSRXLKIDK is a 32-character string variable.

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1996-2020

Weights

• No weights are available for this variable. Please refer to MEPSRXLKIDK for more information.

Flags