You are standing on the edge of the UDS Modernization Initiative with an array of future requirements out in front of you. Now, you might feel like you have been handed a Rubik's cube to solve, but fear not! OSIS has you covered and is closely working with NextGen, The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). We are also the UDS Test Cooperative (UTC) Steering Committee resource for Region One of the country. Not located in Region One? No worries, our Quality Team can assist in completing the UDS+ journey. So buckle up, as we embark on this journey together, demystifying UDS modernization, one step at a time.
Taking the Mystery Out of UDS Modernization: A Bite-Sized Guide
First things first, let's talk about the UDS Modernization Initiative. This initiative is all about improving the value of the Health Center data program while reducing the burden and automating some of that reporting. Its primary focus is to elevate the quality, validity, accuracy, and completeness of your UDS metrics, ultimately leading to improved measurement of program services and outcomes. Above all, the initiative emphasizes the importance of transparency in data reporting.
What impact does UDS+ have on your practice? It's going to require health center patient-level data submission for your patient universe. This means that instead of gathering data however you see fit, you'll be moving to patient-level data submission directly from your certified electronic health record (EHR) technology (CEHRT) technology. UDS modernization will ensure that all health centers are reporting on standardized metrics that are based upon codified structured data points collected within your CEHRT. The data will be pulled directly from your system, eliminating the ability to “massage” or interpret non-structured data elements. So, what are the benefits of this reporting modernization? Well, it's about building upon Meaningful Use Promoting Interoperability programs for the adoption, implementation, and usability of a certified electronic health record system. By providing deidentified patient-level data for an apples-to-apples comparison, regardless of platforms.
Let's unwrap a few details about standardized coding for clinical measures. You have CPT codes, also known as current procedural terminology. These are usually set up in your SIM library and file maintenance. Then there are ICD codes, also known as diagnosis codes. These are managed by a third-party system and are also stored in a library and file maintenance. Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC®) codes are used for laboratory test results and are sent from the lab to you or configured in file maintenance for office labs. It's crucial that you have these mapped to your order tests. Lastly, there are SNOMED codes found in the procedure module which are usually linked to your patient's problem lists. UDS+ is looking for “computer” lingo instead of human language for gathering reporting data.
Now, let's talk about preparing for the future. The implementation requirement has been delayed and at the current time, HRSA has not released a new requirement date. Your 2023 reporting in February 2024 will continue to be your Electronic Handbook (EHB) and manual data entry for the measures. Health centers are also being asked to consider submitting test data using FHIR API technology. If your health center submits test data, there is no penalty. The source of truth for 2023 data will continue to be your EHB-entered data. The number one recommendation is for the health center to review workflows to ensure that codified data is being captured for reporting purposes. By fully understanding the logic for the measures, your team will be on the pathway to success.
UDS+ won't be a casual stroll in the park. You'll need to really dig in, understand the terrain, and put in the work. With OSIS you've got a top-notch team of experts ready to walk the pathway with you, guiding you every twist and turn of the way. The future of FHIR API submission is still under review by HRSA, however, we all know it's not a matter of if, but when. So, the best approach is to stay proactive. Send relevant updates straight to your inbox, pencil in those monthly HRSA UDS+ meetings, and keep a close eye on OSIS newsletters and the NextGen Success Community. If you're an OSIS Member don't hesitate to reach out to your team for any questions or assistance. If you're not yet a Member, don't hesitate to contact us to discover how we can support health centers with their UDS modernization journey.