Questions_and_Answers.docx

BLS: Questions and Answers for RFP 1625DC-18-R-00007

1. How will BLS report the data to the public? For example, will it be reported directly (as is or averages) from the provided data files as averages in dollars at a provider/procedure/geographic area level? Or will the data be included in a larger modeling or analytic effort and the reported values are indices, not actual values reported directly from the data?

The intention of this solicitation is to procure data for internal research, there are currently no plans to publish this data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) does not publish below an MSA aggregated level index. The MSA level index aggregates all collected prices from all sources for a particular item (Physician’s Services, Hospital Services, etc). You may also reference BLS’s CIPSEA Confidentiality Pledge here: https://www.bls.gov/bls/cipsea-report.htm

2. Will there be any external/public reporting of data calculated from the data file geographic area level, and if so, what will be reported?

See the answer to #1.

3. Please define the term ‘claim item.’

Claim item may also be read as ‘observation’ or ‘row’. BLS has defined this in the RFP as an observation controlling for the following variables:

Variable

Provider ID (may be deidentified)

Provider Specialty

Plan Type

Procedure Code

(CPT/DRG)

ICD Code

Place of Service

Date of Service

Total Allowed Reimbursement

Patient Out-of-Pocket Payment

4. Is it correct interpretation that inpatient hospital facility procedures and related payment data are requested at the DRG level? Is it also a correct interpretation that inpatient and outpatient professional services and related payment data are requested at the CPT code level?

Yes, both interpretations are correct.

5. The list of key variables appears to be provider focused. Is it important for information about the enrollees/patients (e.g., enrollee ID, age, gender) to also be included?

No.

6. The RFP states that the Pricing Volume should be in Excel or Microsoft Word Table format. We typically provide a full Business Proposal with administrative backup. Does BLS wish to only receive a spreadsheet? Or is it permissible to include the entire Business Proposal in PDF and include a separate spreadsheet of the pricing?

PDF format is acceptable for any document in response to the solicitation. Please ensure that the actual data is delivered in spreadsheet format in a standard file type (i.e. CSV, SAS, txt, etc.).