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1. What is syndromic surveillance?

Syndromic surveillance is a strategy used by public health for early event detection and to monitor the health of the community. It uses information, such as chief complaints from people seeking acute care, to identify emerging trends of public health concern. The data are grouped into syndromes based on the patient's symptoms, and statistical algorithms are run to identify unusual temporal and geographic patterns that might indicate situations of concern.

2. What is NSSP?

NSSP stands for the Center for Disease Control's National Syndromic Surveillance Program. Read the NSSP fact sheet from the CDC.

3. Where can I find out more about syndromic surveillance?

Find NSSP information on the CDC website.

4. Where can I find more information on other states and best practices for syndromic surveillance?

Links to other states sites can be found on the NSSP Community of Practice website.

5. How do I get access to ESSENCE or KSSP data?

Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) and Kansas Syndromic Surveillance Program (KSSP) data can be accessed by contacting KSSP and completing a data request form or Data Use Agreement. Please email KSSP.

6. Who do I contact for ESSENCE troubleshooting?

• For Kansas-specific problems, please email us.
• Please visit the NSSP syndromic surveillance help desk website.

7. Is the data identifiable?

NSSP data and data accessed through ESSENCE is fully de-identified. There is no personally-identifying information.

8. How do I get information on Meaningful Use?

Information on Meaningful Use and links to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) documentation are available on the KDHE Kansas Promoting Interoperability page.