Topic/focus: Healthcare Facilities and Services, Cost and Utilization Year(s): Varies depending on interest Source: Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice Study and sample characteristics: Maps, summary tables, and graphs based on Medicare data Universe: Medicare population alive, aged 65 - 99 and not enrolled in risk-bearing HMO Variables: Varies depending on interest Access: Publically available, various online tools to generate custom reports Cost: Free Key web links: Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care Primary Institutional Contact: EDRC Coordinator (tchelius@mcw.edu)
Summary: For more than 20 years, the Dartmouth Atlas Project has documented glaring variations in how medical resources are distributed and used in the United States. The project uses Medicare data to provide comprehensive information and analysis about national, regional, and local markets, as well as individual hospitals and their affiliated physicians. These reports and the research upon which they are based have helped policymakers, the media, health care analysts, and others improve their understanding of the efficiency and effectiveness of our health care system. This valuable data forms the foundation for many of the ongoing efforts to improve health and health systems across America. This web site provides access to all Atlas reports and publications, as well as interactive tools to allow visitors to view specific regions and perform their own comparisons and analyses.