Don’t forget to remind your data vendors of the changes in file structures CMS has made to accommodate the use of ICD-10 diagnosis codes submitted with the April 21, 2016 data submission.
 
CMS will make available the updated versions of the Protocols and Guideline Manual and the Website User and Data Submission Manual in January 2016.
 
The ICD-10 codes are seven digits, rather than the five currently allowed on the HHCAHPS XML file for the ICD-9 codes, CMS says in a June 1 announcement. The HHCAHPS coordination team has created updated versions of relevant appendices in the Protocols and Guideline Manual, as well as updated versions of the file layouts/file schema. These materials are available under the Data Submission tab on the HHCAHPS website once vendors have logged in via the following link: https://homehealthcahps.org/DataSubmission/TransitiontoICD10CM.aspx.
 
For more questions, contact the HHCAHPS survey coordination team via email at hhcahps@rit.org or call (866) 354-0985.