For data year 2024, the data element TOTCHG_2024 can be used to produce accurate national estimates of total hospital charge for inpatient stays in the 2024 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). TOTCHG_2024 includes two separate adjustments to the hospital charge for inpatient stays in the Western and Midwest regions. The 2024 adjustment is specific to the West and Midwest because the sampling of hospital discharges in those regions is most impacted by the change in available inpatient data in 2024. Additional relevant information can be found in the 2024 NIS Introduction.