The National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) is compiled from data supplied by the state and territory health authorities. It is a collection of electronic confidentialised summary records for separations (that is, episodes of care) in public and private hospitals in Australia.

The scope of the APC NMDS is episodes of care for admitted patients in all public and private acute and psychiatric hospitals, free standing day hospital facilities and alcohol and drug treatment centres in Australia. Hospitals operated by the Australian Defence Force, corrections authorities and in Australia's off-shore territories may also be included. Hospitals specialising in dental, ophthalmic aids and other specialised acute medical or surgical care are included.

Hospital boarders and still births are not included as they are not admitted to hospital. Posthumous organ procurement episodes are also not included. Coding changes (ICD revisions) affect comparability. Some private hospitals are missing in early years. Outpatient/emergency data is excluded.

The purpose of the Admitted patient care National Minimum Data Set (APC NMDS) is to collect information about care provided to admitted patients in Australian hospitals.

National

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Act 1987; Privacy Act 1988