Definitions of AHRQ Utilization Indicators

This document presents the definitions for the AHRQ utilization indicators, including the retired ones. The utilization rates were calculated for the procedures performed in California hospitals. They are not related to the Let's Get Healthy California indicators. This dataset does not include procedures performed in outpatient settings. Different versions of AHRQ software were applied to different years. Specifically, 2018-2022 data were generated with Version 2023, 2016-2017 data with Version 2022, and 2012-2015 data with Version 5.0. Data were reported for January – September 2015 due to coding changes from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM/PCS for procedures, which began 10/1/2015. Comparisons across years should be made with caution since previous years’ results are based on 12 months of data, while this analysis is based on 9 months of data. The 2015 data may differ from previous years due to the coding change.