CMS has recently circulated an email to BPCI participants requesting comments on the data formats that will apparently be utilized for the reconciliation data distribution to be made in March, as well as the ongoing data to be provided to BPCI participants.
In reviewing this data, we identified the absence of multiple diagnosis codes, which are often critical in identifying patients with chronic diseases who may need special attention in post-discharge care management. Also absent from the patient file are ICD-9 procedure codes which are necessary to stratify diagnoses such as DRG 470 (major joint procedures) into the specific joint (hips or knees) involved in the procedure. CMS has promised to consider these recommendations.
CMS is requesting comments on changes in the data formats no later than Friday, March 29.