This is the first in a brief series about the process of making changes to the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) Rule and Data Submission Guide (DSG). In September 2019, CIVHC will begin collecting information about Alternative Payment Models (APM) and Prescription Rebates from the payers who submit data to the CO APCD. This blog explains the process of adding new elements to the DSG and in future blogs we will explore each of the new pieces of information that will soon be available in the CO APCD.
As Administrator of the CO APCD on behalf of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), CIVHC is always looking for ways to ensure the database provides the most complete picture of the health care system in Colorado possible. That is one of the reasons we work with HCPF and the payers each year to update the DSG by changing the CO APCD Rule.
Promulgating, or enacting, a change to the CO APCD Rule is a process directed by the State of Colorado and designed to allow for public comment on any proposed changes. It involves a lot of outreach, a public meeting where anyone can come ask questions or make comments, and a hearing with the Executive Director of HCPF. CIVHC began the process for the current DSG, version 10, in December of 2017 and after collaboration with the payers and the State, the Rule became effective in October 2018.
Here is a handy outline of the process (click to enlarge).
