[CHM-375] Removal of HICN for linking variables Created: 06/06/25 Updated: 06/09/25 |
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| Status: | Done |
| Project: | CMS Hybrid Measures |
| Component/s: | None |
| Affects Version/s: | None |
| Fix Version/s: | None |
| Type: | Value Sets | Priority: | Moderate |
| Reporter: | Miranda Schufman | Assignee: | CHM Admin User |
| Resolution: | Unresolved | Votes: | 0 |
| Labels: | None | ||
| Remaining Estimate: | Not Specified | ||
| Time Spent: | Not Specified | ||
| Original Estimate: | Not Specified | ||
| Impact: | Impact to required matching thresholds related to linking variables |
| Contact Name: | Miranda Schufman |
| Contact Email: | miranda.schufman@fairview.org |
| Institution/Name: | MHealth Fairview |
| Solution: | Greetings - can you please provide reasoning as to why the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) was removed as an item for matching linking variables along with other remaining items for supportive matching (birth and sex), especially when these are data elements that are regularly captured in a certified EHR?
This will have a negative impact on systems that regularly document HICN and have relied on that as an element for linkage matching alongside the MBI. Given the challenges related to the data capture, reporting and SHRs related to this measure, I don't believe it's appropriate to remove additional linkage matching options based on a "small number of cases" submitted with HICNs during a voluntary reporting period as stated in CHM-319. Please consider adding HICNs back in as a linking variable to match against claims. |
| 2026 Reporting Period Hosp Inpt eCQMs: |
CMS0529v6, CMS0844v6
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| 2025 Reporting Period Hosp Inpt eCQMs: |
CMS0529v5, CMS0844v5
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| Comments |
| Comment by CHM Admin User [ 06/09/25 ] |
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Thank you for your question. The hybrid measures' specifications were updated to align with CMS's discontinuation of HICN and the transition to the MBI. As HICN is not unique to each patient, additional information was required for matching, including date of birth and sex. MBI, however, is a unique identifier, negating the need for date of birth and sex. CMS Hybrid Measures Team |