This Circular releases the final specifications for the Hospital Casemix Protocol (HCP) data collection. The associated changes have been undertaken to ensure the collection aligns with the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 (the Act) and associated rules, and updates to other data collections and standards that have changed since the HCP was last amended in 2006. Collection of the new specifications will commence on 1 July 2008.

Associated background papers can be accessed via:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-phicirculars2008-05_08.htm
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-phicirculars2007-74_07.htm

The development of the new HCP specifications has involved substantial consultation and advice from insurers, service providers and software vendors. The Department would like to formally thank stakeholders for dedicating their time, and providing valuable advice throughout the development process.

All submissions relating to the proposed specifications released on 31 January 2008 have been considered. As a result some changes have been incorporated in the attached specifications while other issues/suggestions that require further development have been placed on the three-year work program.

Next Steps

The Department is currently working with stakeholders to develop a three year work program for the HCP collection. The Plan will cover issues such as completeness, timeliness, quality, development, and reporting of additional data items. This will be progressed with full consultation, including quarterly meetings with insurers and hospitals.

The Department is also continuing to develop a suite of information to support HCP data collection and reporting (including a data definitions manual, clarification of data items such as hospital-in-the-home care, scenarios and FAQs) and will circulate this to stakeholders in the coming months.

The Department will also revise the Private Health Insurance (Data Provision) Rules 2007 and the Private Health Insurance (Health Insurance Business) Rules 2008 to ensure that they reflect changes to HCP data provision requirements and specifications.

Attachments

The following attachments accompany this circular:
A Overview of changes to HCP for collection from 1 July 2008 (PDF 23 KB)
B HCP1 (admitted hospital treatment) – Insurer to Department data specifications (PDF 179 KB)
C HCP2 (other types of hospital treatment) – Insurer to Department data specifications (PDF 89 KB)
D HCP1 – Hospital to Insurer data specifications (PDF 181 KB)
E PHDB – Hospital to Department data specifications (PDF 129 KB)

If you require further information please telephone: (02) 6289 9853/24 hr answering machine or email the enquiry to PrivateHealth@health.gov.au
Internet: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/Publishing.nsf/Content/health-privatehealth-providers-circulars.htm
Changing your e-mail address? No longer want circulars? Please notify Private Health Insurance Branch at PrivateHealth@health.gov.au

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