Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Audit - 2026 - Audit Purpose, Site Selection, and Overall Variables

Sep 26, 2026

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Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Audit 2026 outlines the purpose, selection process, and operating method for verifying the validity, accuracy, consistency, and completeness of data in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Participating sites undergo audit notification, with external independent auditing performed by Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC on specified CABG and aorta case cohorts submitted in Version 4.20, followed by reporting on variable and section accuracy plus verification of 30-day mortality status.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose of the Audit

Site Selection for Audit

Who Will Perform the Audit?

Adult Cardiac Audit

STS National Database Audit Policy

Audit Policy – Overall Variables

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Audit 2026 Purpose of the Audit • To assure that the data collected at facilities are valid, therefore attesting to the integrity of the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database • To examine the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of data • To provide education to the sites • Affords an opportunity to identify variability in data collection so STS can share best practices, improve data definitions, and enhance training manuals and other educational offerings • Audit results drive education for our webinars and content provided at AQO Site Selection for Audit • 10% of participating sites are selected for audit • 100 ACSD sites selected in 2026 • Primary Data and File Contact and Surgeon Representative receive the audit notification via email from STS • These two contacts will also receive the results at the end of the audit season • Participating sites are removed from the audit selection pool for 3 years after completing an audit that meets expectations according to the STS National Database Audit Policy • STS reserves the right to utilize various methodologies, including random and targeted selection • Targeted or focused audits may be scheduled if requested by a participant or deemed appropriate by STS Who Will Perform the Audit? • Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC (HMS) will perform an independent, external audit of the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database • HMS is HIPAA compliant and will conduct audits adhering to strict security policies in accordance with our Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and SubBusiness Agreement with STS • HMS is covered as an affiliate under the BAA you entered STSas part of your participation in the Database, so a separate BAAis not needed. • All data files received are storedon an encrypted secure server at HMS Adult Cardiac Audit • Fill out the STS ACSD Data Collection Questionnaire • Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC (HMS) will perform the audit on 15 isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated Valve or Valve + CABG cases performed between January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025, submitted using Version 4.20 • For each case we will look at 125 variables • 5 aorta cases performed between January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025, submitted using Version 4.20 • For each aorta case we will look at 138 variables (13 related to the aorta section) • HMS will review the site’s OR-generated case log with the cases submitted to IQVIA. • This will be for a randomly selected 3-month period STS National Database Audit Policy • A final Summary Report will be emailed by STS to each site . The rate of agreement and data completeness will be considered when evaluating each site and identifying sites that do not meet the STS expectations . • Your report will show variable accuracy, section accuracy, and overall accuracy. • Please make sure that your submitted files are complete and accurate . Verification of 30-day mortality status is required to be submitted to the audit company. • This includes any tracking logs or EHR documentation used to code the 30-day status, readmission, and surgical site infection within 30 days fields (Mt30Stat (seq 7001), Readmit (seq 7140), and SurSInf (seq 6690) . STS National Database Audit Policy • Variable accuracy (agreement) will be measured for each audited variable . The denominator will equal the total number of records audited. The numerator will show the number of records where that variable was amismatch. This will be reported back as a percentage to sites . • Section accuracy (agreement) will be measured for each section (i.e ., demographics, risk factors, complications, discharge, mortality, etc.) . • Overall site accuracy (agreement) will be measured for each site as an overall agreement rate . The denominator will equal the total number of records audited. The numerator will show the number of records where that variable wa

FAQs

What is the purpose of the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Audit 2026?

The audit assures collected data are valid and supports integrity of the STS database. It also checks accuracy, consistency, and completeness, and provides education to sites to improve definitions and training.

How are sites selected for the ACSD audit in 2026?

STS selects 10% of participating sites, with 100 ACSD sites selected in 2026. Primary data and file contact plus surgeon representative receive audit notifications by email.

What does the audit company review and what verification is required?

Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC reviews 15 isolated CABG/valve-related cases and 5 aorta cases for specified periods using Version 4.20, and assesses numerous variables per case. Submission must be complete and accurate, including verification of 30-day mortality status using tracking logs or EHR documentation for the 30-day fields.

Sep 26, 2026

Upload by lilac