Appendix A - Technical Notes (Updated for the 2004 Supplement): These notes describe how important terms used in this report were defined and measured. Topics are listed alphabetically, using major headings from the document or common statistical terms.

Appendix B - Primary Data Sources (Updated for the 2004 Supplement): Two types of data are presented in The Health of Washington State. Some data were obtained from previously published material and references for these data are in each chapter. However, most of the data were developed specifically for this report from systems maintained by the Washington State Department of Health. Brief descriptions of the major data system used in this report follow. 

Readers are encouraged to review this appendix carefully so they fully understand the strengths and limitations of the data systems. This understanding is essential for interpreting data from these sources.

Appendix C - Primary cause/diagnosis vs. multiple cause/diagnosis: These tables contrast data analyses where the primary cause or diagnosis (the first listed diagnosis in hospitalization data, termed "underlying cause" in mortality data) is used alone, versus data analyses where all listed causes or diagnoses are used together. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, show substantial differences due to the fact that they act as precursors to chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease or stroke.