August 26, 2024
HRSA recently announced the Uniform Data System patient-level submission (UDS+) requirements (PDF) for calendar year (CY) 2024 UDS reporting, which will be due to HRSA by April 30, 2025.
As you know, health centers report to HRSA on a core set of operational and performance measures each year through the UDS. With UDS+, health centers will submit de-identified patient-level data using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards instead of reporting data in an aggregate, tabular format. This will help us understand how and why patients achieve certain outcomes, which will help us improve quality across the Health Center Program.
Nearly 300 health centers participated in the CY 2023 UDS+ voluntary period to help us refine the reporting process and inform submission requirements. For CY 2024 UDS+ data submissions, due in 2025, there will be a minimum requirement for all health centers (see below). This will help us continue to develop systems and capacity, and it will help us understand the needs of health centers, as we move towards full-scale UDS+ implementation.
CY 2024 UDS+ Submission Requirements
At a minimum, health centers must submit UDS+ data for their medical patients. Those who are able can submit UDS+ data for their full patient population.
The following demographic tables are required:
- Patients by ZIP Code
- Table 3A: Patients by Age and by Sex Assigned at Birth
- Table 3B: Demographic Characteristics
- Table 4: Selected Patient Characteristics
In addition, health centers must submit at least one electronic Clinical Quality Measure (eCQM) from one of the clinical tables below:
- Table 6B: Quality of Care Measures
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Table 7: Health Outcomes and Disparities
- Controlling High Blood Pressure [HRSA recommended]
- Diabetes: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Poor Control (>9.0%)
Health centers must continue to submit aggregated legacy UDS data through HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks as the official submission of record for the 2024 reporting year. The legacy UDS submission is due February 15, 2025.
Visit the UDS Data Modernization webpage for additional information. We encourage all health centers to join the UDS Test Cooperative fall meetings to learn more about CY 2024 UDS+ requirements and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if our health IT vendor is not ready to support UDS+ submission or we are in the middle of transitioning to a new health IT vendor?
A: We understand that there will be implementation questions unique to each health center. Please submit your questions about UDS+ submission through the BPHC Contact Form (Uniform Data System (UDS) > UDS Modernization > Patient-Level Submission (UDS+)).
Q: Are there opportunities to continue testing UDS+ through the end of the year?
A: Yes. HRSA concluded voluntary UDS+ data submission with health centers and health IT vendors in August 2024. However, HRSA will continue UDS+ data testing with health IT vendors and other data submitters through December 2024 (previously referred to as Cohort 3).
Health IT vendors and other data submitters that have not yet passed UDS+ testing milestones are encouraged to keep working with HRSA to prepare for the CY 2024 UDS+ submission. Health centers working with health IT vendors that have already passed UDS+ testing should contact the vendor to learn more about testing opportunities.
Health centers that remain interested in self-reporting CY 2024 UDS+ data should reach out to HRSA via the BPHC Contact Form.
|