(1) A statewide Hospital Discharge Data System (HDDS) is one of the most important tools for addressing a broad range of health policy issues.
(2) Acts 1995, No. 670, State Health Data Clearinghouse Act, Arkansas Code § 20-7-301 et seq., requires all hospitals licensed by the State of Arkansas to report information on inpatient discharges.
(b) In order to simplify the reporting process, the Arkansas HDDS is based on the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services UB-04 form.
(c)
(1) In accordance, the Department of Health is required to collect, analyze, and disseminate selected healthcare data.
(2) This guide defines the data that hospitals will submit for the specific purpose of constructing the Hospital Discharge Data System.
(d)
(1) The Health Statistics Branch can provide technical consultation and assistance.
(2) Initially, such consultation or assistance must necessarily be limited to activities that specifically enable the hospital to submit data that will meet the requirements.
(e) For further information, contact Betty Hicks, Manager of HDDS. Department of Health Health Statistics Branch 4815 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72205 Phone: (800) 482-5400 ext. 2368 Fax: (501) 661-2544 Betty Hicks Betty.Hicks@arkansas.gov Phone: (501) 661-2867