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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Consumer Expenditure Survey > Methods

Section 15 - Medical and Health Expenses

Eye Care

Eye examinations, treatment, or surgery, such as -

eye examinations

eye treatments

laser surgery

- Purchase or eye glasses or contact lenses, such as -

contact lenses	contact lens insurance	prescription sunglasses
eye glasses	kits and equipment
fittings	warranty expenses

Dental Care

Dental care, such as -

bridges	braces/Invisalign	root canals
caps or crowns	fillings	X-rays
cleanings	extractions	dentures
teeth whitening in a dental office	implants	cosmetic dentistry

Inpatient Care

Hospital room or hospital services, including -

anesthetics	injections	operating room
blood transfusions	intensive care unit	oxygen
drugs and medicine	laboratory tests	recovery room
examinations	nursing services	therapy
treatment rooms	X-rays	any other services

From facilities, such as --

	general care hospitals		substance abuse hospitals
	psychiatric hospitals		birthing centers

Services by Medical Professionals other than Physicians

All services provided by medical professionals other than physicians, such as -

acupuncturist	midwife	podiatrist
chiropractor	medical massage therapist	psychologist
homeopath	nurse practitioners	substance abuse professionals
marriage counselor	physical therapist

Include services provided both inside and outside the home.

Physician Services

All services provided and billed by physicians, such as -

dermatologist	pediatrician	general practitioner
psychiatrist	gynecologist	surgeon
internist	urologist	osteopath
plastic surgeon	any other type of physicians

Other Medical Care Services

Lab tests or x-rays

	blood tests		X-rays		other type of lab tests
	MRI		CAT scan

Do not include services received in a hospital as an inpatient or services for eye and dental care

Care in convalescent or nursing homes

Include all services provided and billed by a convalescent or nursing home.

Care for invalids, convalescents, handicapped, or elderly persons in the home

Do not include institutional or medical care.

Adult day care centers

Other medical care and services, such as -

ambulance services	outpatient hospital care	blood donation
rescue services	emergency room services	dialysis services
oxygen services

If medical care is given in outpatient department or emergency room, include -

allergy shots	cancer treatment	injections
baby shots	electro cardiogram	physicians check up
blood pressure check	cardiology test	skin treatment
broken bones/sprains	hearing test	immunizations

Medicine or Medical Supplies

Hearing aids

Prescription drugs, including -

medical marijuana

insulin

asthma inhalers

birth control

Purchase or rental of supportive or rehabilitative medical equipment, such as -

ace bandages	crutches	walkers
braces	slings	wheelchairs
canes	splints	whirlpools
cervical collars	orthotics	power chair/scooter

Purchase or rental of medical or surgical equipment for general use, such as -

blood pressure kits	ice bags	heating pads
vaporizers	hot water bottles	pollen masks
insulin needles	syringes	oxygen
ostomy supplies	orthopedic appliances (supports)	home defibrillator

Do not include items such as band-aids, gauze, cotton roll, and cotton balls.

Go back to Section 15, Part A »

Go back to Section 15, Part B »

Last Modified Date: April 7,2016