Question and Answers 36C10B21R0003 11-25-20 additonal Qs.pdf

Health Information Coding, Billing and Auditing (HICBA) Encoder Software Solution and Support

Question and Answers from Solicitation - 36C10B21R0003

November 25, 2020

Note: The answers provided below are for informational purposes, to assist potential offerors in preparing proposals, and such answers do not themselves constitute an amendment to the Solicitation. Where questions and answers necessitated such an amendment, such changes have been or will be incorporated into a formal amendment to the Solicitation. To the extent that any answers provided below conflict in any way with the Solicitation and any Amendments, the final solicitation takes precedence.

Number Reference Questions Answers

9. PWS 5.2.2 In PWS, Section 5.2.2., Encoder Requirements, Item f, states a requirement of “System shall contain VERA patient classification rules for inpatient PTF coding and shall be maintained/updated. Software shall suggest code sequencing to optimize VERA reimbursement and provide a history and reporting output of VERA edits usage, both accepted and bypassed.” Is VA’s intention to have the VERA rules reside in and be part of the Encoder? Or is VA wanting the Encoder to be compatible with the VIRR solution and VERA edits/rules would be inside the VIRR software?

VA’s requirement is for the Encoder solution to provide encoder functionality to enable the overall HICBA system to meet VERA requirements. VA does not require that VERA rules reside in/be part of the Encoder product. See paragraph

5.2. “The encoder software solution shall interface with the HICBA VIRR solution and is critical for operations and timely exchange of patient data” and paragraph 5.2.2. “Requirements involve dependencies on HICBA VIRR software solution for VistA interfacing. Contractor shall identify specific dependencies and any gaps, and work with the VIRR solution Contractor to provide functionalities to meet all requirements.” – This is one of those dependencies.