Small-Area Analysis

**Definition:** A method of analyzing the variation in utilization of health care in small geographic or demographic areas. It often studies, for example, the usage rates for a given service or procedure in several small areas, documenting the variation among the areas. By comparing high- and low-use areas, the analysis attempts to determine whether there is a pattern to such use and to identify variables that are associated with and contribute to the variation.

**Tree numbers:** - E05.318.740.250.675 - N05.715.360.750.200.750 - N06.850.520.830.250.675

**Synonyms:** - Variation Analysis, Small-Area - Analysis, Small-Area - Small-Area Variation Analysis