Circular 24 of 2024: Healthcare Utilisation Annual Statutory Return 2022/2023
This Circular aims to inform stakeholders that the Healthcare Utilisation Annual Statutory Returns (HUASR) system is currently in the testing phase, and will be operational from 3 June 2024, for 2023 submissions.
Medical schemes are required to submit data by the deadlines listed in the table below. To limit the system’s traffic, data officers will be required to load schemes’ data on specifically assigned days. The submission schedule has been shared with each data officer. Data officers who require a change to the dates assigned to their scheme are requested to engage the CMS before the commencement of the submission period (3 June 2024).
Medical schemes and administrators that submit data on behalf of medical schemes should take note of the following crucial data submission deadlines, which are intended to allow sufficient time to compile the data and ensure accurate and complete submissions.
| Deadlines | Description | Start date | End date |
| Electronic data submission | The deadline for electronic submission of scheme data | 3 June 2024 | 5 July 2024 |
| Feedback reports | Feedback to schemes on data submission and possible resubmission of data | Two days following completion of the schemes’ scheduled submission. | 8 July 2024 |
| Resubmission of data | Resubmission of data due to errors identified in feedback reports | Three days following receipt of the feedback reports. | 19 July 2024 |
| Final signed-off report | Final report signed off by PO and Trustees | 19 July 2024 | 2 August 2024 |
Please note that no changes have been made to version 10.0 of the technical specification documents. Version 10.0 of the technical guideline document should be read with the following updated documents:
- ASR Data Specification v10.0: This workbook contains the data tables’ layout and field type definitions.
- ASR Valid Codes v10.0: The reference workbook containing tables with valid values for certain key columns specified in the ASR Data Specification v10.0. In the event that schemes come across codes that are not included in the valid code lists, it is important for them to notify the CMS promptly. This notification enables us to make the necessary updates to the lists, ensuring their accuracy and completeness. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of our system.
- Guidelines for the Identification of Beneficiaries with Risk Factors in accordance with the Entry and Verification Criteria Version 15.1.
- ASR Data Specification Appendix A v10.0: The Appendix should be used only as a guideline for identifying utilisation statistics and is not necessarily a complete list of codes used in the industry. Please inform the CMS in case you become aware of any missing codes (excluding “in-house” codes) by sending a list of such codes to lion@medicalschemes.co.za
- List of Validation rules V1.0
Schemes will be notified when technical issues arise, and the scheduled submission dates and deadlines will be amended if necessary.
The final signoff report can be electronically signed if the scheme has the option available. However, schemes may submit the scanned signed document to the CMS to b.khuzwayo@medicalschemes.co.za by 2 August 2024.
CMS officials will be available to assist with any technical inquiries regarding the Healthcare Utilisation Data specification document. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require clarification or further information.
Download the Circular here.