NCQA’s Data Aggregator Validation (DAV) Program

 

February 28, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE

QMetrics serves as Validator for the 3^rd Cohort of NCQA’s Data Aggregator Validation (DAV) Program

20 organizations across the country have completed the DAV Program since its launch in Summer 2021. Eleven additional organizations are participating in Cohort 3, which started February 28, 2022.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and QMetrics have kicked off Cohort 3 of the DAV Program with 11 participants from various states across the country. While most participants are new to the program, a number of organizations are returning for revalidation or to introduce new data streams to be approved for health plan use. Once validated by NCQA, organizations are required to be revalidated annually to ensure processes and data integrity are maintained for data that continues to be shared with health plans for use.

The two-fold goal of the DAV Program is to increase interoperability in quality reporting and decrease the provider burden of manual data collection. As a result of the program, health plans have increased access to reliable standard HEDIS^® supplemental data and providers can anticipate lessened administrative burden.

“It’s exciting to be starting the third cohort of the DAV program with participants on different tracks,” said Wendy Talbot, NQCA AVP Measure Collection and Audit. “Those participants coming through for additional PSV shows the value they see in sharing validated data with customers.”

QMetrics previously served as the Validator for Cohorts 1 and 2, with Cohort 2 concluding earlier this month and meeting the HEDIS supplemental data deadline for Measurement Year 2021. The fourth cohort of the DAV program will begin in July 2022. Contact NCQA to apply.

 

Background

Since the pilot phase of the program, QMetrics has collaborated closely with NCQA to develop and solidify the program protocols, standards, and primary source verification (PSV) methodology to review and evaluate all primary data sources used in data outputs. DAV is the first program in the country to validate data streams shared between Electronic Health Records (EHRs), data aggregators, and third-party recipients (e.g., health plans).

“Since its July launch, the DAV program has continued to grow and QMetrics is pleased to be in the role of Validator,” said Suzan Mora Dalen, CEO and founder of QMetrics. “Refinements to the program continue to be made as more insights are gained as we evaluate the inner-workings and challenges of data exchange. Several participating organizations have acknowledged the DAV program as being key to driving internal process improvement where data quality is now the focus on everyone’s role. Each organization has dedicated a substantial amount of time and resources to completing the program and continue to demonstrate their commitment to increasing data quality.”

HEDIS^® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

 

About QMetrics

QMetrics is an audit and consultancy firm founded in 2006 by HEDIS auditor Suzan Mora Dalen, MPA, CHCA, and is co-led with Chief Health Economist Jim Dalen, MA. The organization brings extensive experience in health care and focuses on consulting in the areas of Data Aggregator Validation & Audits, Timely Access Surveys, Value-Based Reporting and Quality Measurement, Regulatory and Compliance, Advanced Data Analytics, and Encounter Data Evaluation. More information can be obtained at www.qmetrics.us or by emailing info@qmetrics.us.

 

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September 1,2021 – PRESS RELEASE – QMetrics selected as DAV validator and Cohort 1 Commences Program