We'd like to request clarification of how to identify unique "Other Encounters."

The CMS QRDA HQR 2021Implementation GuideVersion 1.1 (https://ecqi.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/QRDA-HQR-2021-CMS-IG-508.pdf) section 11 - "Ensuring Data Uniqueness" states

 

Other Encounter (Encounter containing codes other than inpatient code)

Precondition: same QRDA template

• Encounter id element (encounter/id)—combination of @root and @extension (if @extension is present)
• Encounter code (encounter/code)

 

I think the encounter/id is clear, but our question is specifically on the second item - "Encounter code (encounter/code)". We'd like to request clarification of this and, if possible, an example of duplication that would need to be resolved.

 

Is this implying that we would have a single encounter template with multiple duplicate coded values that would need to be de-duplicated? EX: a single encounter template on 1/1/2021 has two duplicate "wellness visit" codes? Or would this imply that we would need to de-duplicate encounters across multiple templates by using code (and other data elements such as dates of service, etc.) to identify and collapse?

 

Any clarification would be very much appreciated