CCLF8 null values in BENE_LAST_NAME

[A D]

Hello, We are finding some records have NULL in BENE_LAST_NAME. What steps for remediation are available to ensure this field is populated for the records missing this value? Thank you

[Beneficiary Claims Data API (BCDA) Community]

Hello!

Thanks for the question about null values for BENE_LAST_NAME. To make sure you're in the right place to find support, could you please confirm that you are seeing these unexpected results in the Patient FHIR resources returned by BCDA?

If your question is about data you've received from CCLF8 files, please reach out to the relevant support desk for your organization's Alternative Payment Model. For ACOs in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, visit https://acoms.cms.gov/help. For organizations participating in the Kidney Care Choice or ACO REACH models, visit https://4innovation.cms.gov/landing and see "Contact Support".

Thanks,
The BCDA Team

[Steven Rienstra]

One thing we had found in our data is that "Null" is an Irish last name, and thus sometimes is a valid value in the last name field. (So long as it's a text null rather than an actual null) If it is possible for you, verifying against the EMR or with the PCP's office should give you opportunity to determine if this is such an example.