By Amy Brisson, CLC Partner/Consultant
UDS reporting is here! Each year there are always a few changes to the reporting. Find a summary of those changes here: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bphc/datareporting/pdf/2020_UDS_Approved_PAL.pdf
Here are a few highlights that relate specifically to COVID-19:
2019 was the first year where virtual encounters were reported separately from in-person encounters on Table 5. For 2020, this will have a much greater impact on the report due to the quick change to telehealth encounters most health centers experienced in early 2020. You can find more information on the specific criteria that will help in determining what virtual visits qualify for the UDS reporting in the UDS manual: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bphc/datareporting/pdf/2020-uds-manual.pdf
For the FTE portion of Table 5, it is important to note any staffing position changes that cause an employee to cross categories. Due to COVID-19 we have been aware that some health centers had to shift staff resources that caused an employee’s FTE to be divided into multiple UDS reporting categories. It should also be noted that the FTEs should be calculated based on the hours staff were paid for, even if the employee was not working. If an employee was furloughed but leave but was NOT paid, then that portion should be left out the FTE calculation.
Table 6A – lines have been added to capture data on COVID-19 testing and diagnosis.
Line 4c – Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease
Line 6a – Acute respiratory illness due to novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease
Line 21c – Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) diagnostic test
Line 21d – Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) antibody test
Table 8A – did you receive any free equipment, supplies, etc. in general and for your health center’s response to COVID-19? If so, these should be valued and reported as in-kind.
Table 9D – an additional line was added, Line 8c. Other Public, including COVID-19 Uninsured program. If your health center billed uninsured visits to the COVID-19 uninsured program through HHS, those revenues will be reported here.
Table 9E – additional lines were added to this table to report COVID related incomes received:
Line 1l. – Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H8C)
Line 1m. – Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) (H8D)
Line 1m. – Expanded Capacity for Coronavirus Testing (ECT) (H8E and LAL ECT)
Line 1p. Other COVID-19 Related funding from BPHC
Line 3b. Provider Relief Fund
PPP Loans – these should not be reported as the UDS manual states, “Do not report the proceeds of any loan received for operations, a mortgage, or other purposes.”
For more information on UDS reporting and the impact of COVID-19 you can use the HRSA COVID-19 FAQ page and choose the category UDS Reporting: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-frequently-asked-questions?field_faq_category_tid=296&combine and also refer to the UDS COVID-19 reporting page: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/datareporting/reporting/covid-19-reportinghttps://bphc.hrsa.gov/datareporting/reporting/covid-19-reporting