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Release Notes:
Data Element
Version 2012B

Data Element Name: Birth Weight
Collected For: PC-04, Risk Adjustment
Definition:The weight (in grams) of a newborn at the time of delivery.

Note:
453.5 grams = 1 pound
28.35 grams = 1 ounce
It is recommended that each ORYX Vendor provide the ability to enter birth weight in either grams or pounds. However, all birth weights must be converted to grams prior to indicator calculation.

Suggested Data Collection Question:What was the weight of the newborn at delivery?
Format:
Length:4 or UTD
Type:Alphanumeric
Occurs:1
Allowable Values:


150 through 8165 grams
UTD = Unable to Determine


Note:
When converting from pounds and ounces to grams, do not round to the nearest pound before converting the weight to grams. Round to the nearest whole number after the conversion to grams.

Notes for Abstraction:
  • Birth weights less than 150 grams need to be verified that the baby was live born and for data quality purposes. Birth weights greater than 8165 grams need to be verified for data quality.
  • If the birth weight is unable to be determined from medical record documentation, enter "UTD".
  • The medical record must be abstracted as documented (taken at “face value”). When the value documented is not a valid number/value per the definition of this data element and no other documentation is found that provides this information, the abstractor should select “UTD.”
    Example:
    Documentation indicates the Birth Weight was 0 grams. No other documentation in the medical record provides a valid value. Since the Birth Weight is not a valid value, the abstractor should select “UTD.”
    Note:
    Transmission of a case with an invalid value as described above will be rejected from the Joint Commission’s Data Warehouse. Use of “UTD” for Birth Weight allows the case to be accepted into the warehouse.
  • In cases where there is conflicting data, use the document recording the birth weight closest to the time of delivery, e.g., the delivery record.
Suggested Data Sources:

  • History and physical
  • Nursing notes
  • Nursery record
  • Delivery record
  • Physician progress notes
Additional Notes:
Guidelines for Abstraction:
Inclusion Exclusion
  • None
  • None

Birth Weight
Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2012B)
Discharges 07-01-12 (3Q12) through 12-31-12 (4Q12)