Beale Code 2013

Field length: 2

The RuralUrban Continuum (2013) codes separate counties into four metropolitan and six non-metropolitan categories, based on the size their populations and form a classification scheme that distinguishes metropolitan counties by size and non-metropolitan counties by degree of urbanization and proximity to metro areas.

These codes can be derived electronically, using patients’ state and county at diagnosis, so registrars do not need to provide them. FIPS state and county code mappings to Beale Codes can be obtained in an Excel file athttp://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/RuralUrbanContinuumCodes.

The code is a 9-point continuum, transmitted in standard NAACCR record form with a leading 0, (01-09). Abstractors do not enter these codes.

Areas that are not included in the Rural-Urban Continuum code table, such as Canadian provinces/territories and U.S. territories (other than Puerto Rico) will be coded 98. Records for non-residents of the state of the reporting institution (County at DX = 998) also will be coded 98. If Addr at DX–State is XX, YY or ZZ, or if County at DX = 999, the Rural-Urban Continuum will be coded 99.