For 80 years, the AHA has worked directly with hospitals and health systems to collect reliable data about U.S. hospitals. The AHA follows an established process for identifying hospitals, collecting information and carefully reviewing and validating survey responses.
A Comprehensive View of U.S. Hospitals
The AHA conducts its Annual Survey each year, collecting information directly from hospitals and health systems across the country. Working with state and local hospital associations, government agencies and other organizations, the AHA identifies hospitals and keeps information about them current.
Hospitals report information on characteristics, services, utilization, staffing, finances and more. The AHA also conducts supplemental surveys covering specialized areas, including health information technology.
How AHA Hospital Data Is Reviewed and Validated
The AHA's team of analysts reviews Annual Survey responses for missing information, inconsistencies and unusual changes. Responses are compared with previously reported data and information from hospitals of similar types, sizes and geographic areas.
When significant differences appear, analysts examine other information reported by the hospital and may contact the hospital directly to validate or clarify its responses.
How Missing Data Is Addressed
When hospitals do not respond to the Annual Survey or provide incomplete responses, the AHA uses statistical methods to estimate eligible missing data. Depending on the variable, estimates are developed using regression models that incorporate previous-year data and hospital characteristics, or patterns observed among comparable hospitals. Certain information, including missing facilities and services data, is not estimated.
When AHA Hospital Data Is Updated
The AHA updates hospital demographic information daily and releases a new Annual Survey dataset each November. Supplemental datasets are released at various times throughout the year.
Reviewed by: AHA Data team
Last reviewed: April 2026