Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS):(CMS Number CMS-P-0015A)

Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS)

GeneralSpecifications07010001

Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS):(CMS Number CMS-P-0015A)

OMB: 0938-0568

⚠️ Notice: This form may be outdated. More recent filings and information on OMB 0938-0568 can be found here:

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MCBS MAIN STUDY
R55 General Specifications for Blaise/WVS
Version 07.01.0001
8/14/2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Specification Terminology
Database Notation and Database “Deleted” flags.
Specification Items
Specification Standards
Roster Requirements

Other General Specification Documents include:
• Default Specifications
o This is a quick reference document, summarizing the more common default
specifications outlined in the general specifications.
• General Specifications Questionnaire Flow
o Summaries components of the questionnaire
o Specifies the order sections are administered in the questionnaire
o Includes an overview of collecting COST data in ST, PS, NS, CPS.
• General Specifications Screen Types
o Summary of WVS page layout
o List of each screen type with required specifications
o Sample WVS SpecWriter Specifications per screen type
* Specification in progress. Need to add Address and Phone screen types.
• General Specifications Global Displays
o Respondent display fills, such as “[you/(SP)]”.
o Reference Period Date displays
o General Date Displays
o Plan Status Display
o COST Series Displays
1

o
o
o
o

 Context Headers
 Claim Control Number displays
 Charges and Amounts remaining
 Event displays
Person and Plan name displays
Roster Names
Section specific Global displays
 IA
Address and Phone number displays

• General Specifications Dates
o Summary of Reference periods and previous round
o Date Entry and Display formats
o Date Edit logic
 Summarizes when dates should not invoke edits due to DK and RF.
o Specifications for setting ORP flag
o Date calculation logic
• General Specifications Database
o Overview of Cheshire Segments and KEY fields
 Summary of critical fields used to test complex routing in Questionnaire
* Specification in progress. Need to complete list of critical fields and
proof.
• General Specifications Attachments
o Includes Attachments referenced in Section Specs.
• Section Overview
o Includes an overview of each section, including Roster patterns
* Specification in progress. Need to complete remaining section overviews.

1. SPECIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
SAMPLE PERSON / RESPONDENT

SAMPLE PERSON Refers to the person who has been selected to participate in study.
We are collecting data about the Sample Person.
SP

SP is used as an abbreviation for “Sample Person”.

RESPONDENT

The Respondent is the person who is being interviewed.
The Respondent may be the SP or a person answering questions for the SP, known as the
Proxy.

SAMPLE

We often refer to SP as being in one of the following “Samples”:
SUPPLEMENTAL SAMPLE
Refers to an SP in their first interview in the study. Also
known as “New Sample”.
EXIT SAMPLE

Refers to an SP in their last interview in the study.

CONTINUING SAMPLE Refers to an SP who has received at least one community
interview.
ORD or DUAL ELIGIBLE SAMPLE
Refers to special types of Supplemental Sample SPs. These
Sample Types are no longer used in the study, however are
still reflected in the specifications.

ROUNDS
The study conducts data collection in consecutive “Rounds”.
Each Round is numbered sequentially.
Three Rounds of data is collected per year.
Each round is referenced as:
FALL ROUND
September through December
WINTER ROUND January through April
SUMMER ROUND May through August
New Sample Persons are added to the study every Fall Round. It is often referred to as the Supplemental
Round.
An SP will remain in the study for 12 rounds.

The SP will then exit the study in the 12th round, which will be a Summer Round. This round is often referred
to as the Exit Round.

COMPONENTS
MCBS data is collected in two different components, the Community and Facility Components.
Community Component

SP resides in the community.

Facility Component

SP resides in an eligible facility/nursing home.

Each component has its own questionnaire, the Community Questionnaire and the Facility Questionnaire.
MCBS conducts the appropriate questionnaire based on the SP’s current residence. When conducting a
community interview, if we discover that the SP has already moved into a facility since the last interview, we
will complete the community interview and will conduct the next interview in the facility, administering the
Facility Questionnaire. The same is true if an SP has moved from a facility into the community.
The SP may receive multiple interviews in a single round. While in the community, the SP may only receive
one community interview in a single round; however, if the SP moves into a facility, the SP may receive an
additional facility interview in the same round. If the SP moves to multiple facilities in a single round, they
may receive an interview for each facility where they have resided during that round. An exception to this rule
is the SP’s 1st interview in the study. An SP will only receive one interview in their 1st round in the study, either
community or facility.
An SP may skip a round, but only one consecutive round.
When an SP moves from one component to the next, it is referred to as a Crossover Case.
INTERVIEW TYPES
The SP’s Interview Type is determined prior to fielding the case.
MRES.INTTYPE stores SP’s Interview Type:
VALID IN ROUNDS:
ALL
ALL
FALL ONLY
ALL
ALL
ALL
WINTER ONLY
SUMMER ONLY
SUMMER ONLY
SUMMER ONLY

INTTYPE=1/StandardHadPrev
INTTYPE=2/NewFromFacility
INTTYPE=3/NewFromSupplement
INTTYPE=4/StandardSkippedPrev
INTTYPE=5/LastRndFacSum
INTTYPE=6/LastRndFacBase
INTTYPE=7/SupSmp1stTimeUtil
INTTYPE=8/ExitInterviewHadPrev
INTTYPE=9/ExitInterviewSkippedPrev
INTTYPE=10/SupSmp1stTimeUtilSkipped

TYPE #
1 Standard Continuing SP.
SP’s last interview was in the Community.
2

SP’s last interview was in a facility.
SP’s has not had a community interview.

SP is in the Supplemental Sample, their 1st round in the study.

Standard Continuing SP.
SP skipped the previous round.

SP’s last interview was in a facility.
SP’s last community interview was 2 rounds ago.

SP’s last interview was in a facility.
SP’s last community interview was 3 or more rounds ago.

SP’s 2nd interview.
Utilization and COST data is collected for the 1st time.

SP’s last interview.
SP is in the Exit Sample.
SP’s last community interview was in the previous round.

SP’s last interview.
SP is in the Exit Sample
SP’s last community interview was 2 rounds ago.

10 SP’s 2nd interview.
SP skipped previous round.
Utilization and COST data is collected for the 1st time.

2. DATABASE NOTATION
Data Collection involves three different database structures: Cheshire, Blaise, SQL.
CHESHIRE DATABASE
MCBS data has been collected in a DOS based system known as Cheshire. The input data is stored in a
Cheshire database. Although data will now be collected into a system known as WVS, the Cheshire database
will be maintained.
The Cheshire database is organized into tables known as Segments. Input fields are stored in Variables on a
designated Segment. The variable notation is:
Segment.VariableName
EX:
ROST.ROSTFNAM.
The data collected from the community and facility questionnaires is stored in separate Cheshire databases. The
community questionnaire collects data about the SP only and the data is stored based on the SP’s CASE ID.
The facility questionnaire collects data about the facility as well as each SP that resides at the facility; therefore,
the data is stored based on the Facility’s CASE ID. The facility database can be linked back to the community
database using the SP’s CASE ID.
BLAISE / SQL DATABASE
MCBS will now be collected in a Windows based system known as WVS. WVS utilizes a COTS system
known as Blaise. In WVS, input values are first stored in Blaise Fields. The Blaise Field is then copied to a
SQL Field during data collection.
The SQL database is also organized into Tables, similar to the Cheshire database. The SQL field notation is:
Table.FieldName
EX:
tblROST.ROSTFNAM
To summarize:
Three Field Names are associated with each input field specified in WVS:
1. Input field
The input field is collected into a Blaise FieldName.
2. SQL field
The Blaise field is then copied to a SQL Table.FieldName during data collection.
3. Cheshire variable The SQL field is transformed back to the Cheshire Segment.VariableName after data
collection.

ROUND SPECIFIC DATABASE RECORDS
If an input field is specified that is stored on a Round specific record, the default is to collect and store data on
the current round record unless other specified. The exception to this rule is data collected/updated in HIS,
UTS, PMS and CPS. These summary sections will collect/update data on PREVIOUS ROUND records.

DATA TRANSFORMATION
In order to collect data in WVS, the Cheshire data is transformed from the Cheshire
Segment.VariableName(s) to the SQL Table.FieldName(s). Once the data is collected in SQL, the SQL
Table.FieldName(s) is then transformed back to the Cheshire Segment.VariableName(s). The default naming
convention is:
Blaise FieldName = SQL FieldName
SQL FieldName = Cheshire VariableName.
SQL SQL Table Name = tbl + Cheshire SegmentName
EX:
Blaise FieldName
SQL Table.FieldName
Cheshire Segment.VariableName

= ROSTFNAM
= tblROST.ROSTFNAM
= ROST.ROSTFNAM

However, there are some exceptions to the naming conventions due to differences between WVS and Cheshire.
See Data Transformation for a list of exceptions.
Because WVS utilizes the Blaise system, WVS specifications often refer to Blaise system/programming
terminology. The WVS Specifications most often references the Question Item Tag and Blaise Input Field
Name when referencing an input value from a designated question.
EX:
ST1 – MHMOSTMT
However, if the specification references a database field that cannot easily be linked back to a specific question,
it will reference the Cheshire Segment.VariableName.
EX:
HRND.MHMOSTMT
It is understood that a link will be made between the Cheshire Segment.VariableName to the corresponding
SQL Table.FieldName. The link is included in programming technical documents. The goal is to include this
link in the Specification Database.

INPUT FIELD VS. BACKGROUND VARIABLE
The terms “Field” and “Variable” have the same meaning. “Variable” is the term used in Cheshire to reference
a database field.
Most data collected will be entered directly into an Input field. There will be at least one Input field specified
for each Question in the instrument. A Question can have multiple Input fields.
An Input field may be considered “Temporary”. A “Temporary” input field is an Input field that is collected
and stored during data collection only and will not be transformed back to the Cheshire database.
In addition to Input fields, Background database fields may be set “in the background” based on the response
to a Question. Background fields (or sometimes referred to as Background Variables) are often specified when
creating database records, setting “flags” that affect routing or display fills, storing “calculations”, or as a
method of storing data collected in “Temporary” Input fields into a database field that will be transformed back
to the Cheshire database.
DATABASE RECORDS FLAGGED AS “DELETED”
The following Database tables include flags that indicate that the database record is no longer active and should
not be included in Roster, Report or Grid displays, should not be included as a valid record in any programming
logic or checks. These records are considered as “invalid”.
EVNT

EVNT.EVNTDFLG = 1/Yes
* Exception: If HP/HF Event exists on EVNT, and EVNT.EVNTDFLG = 1/Yes, if
Provider selected as a current round Home Health provider in the current round, we will
update the existing EVNT.EVNTDFLG = empty and reactive the original EVNT record.
See BOX HH1AA.

HERO

HERO.HERODFLG = 1/Yes

PMRO

PMRO.PMRODFLG = 1/Yes

PLAN

PLAN.PLANHIDE = 1/Yes

NO LONGER USED

PLAN.PLANDFLG = 1/Yes
PLAN.MHMODFLG = 1/Yes
PLAN.LOSEPLFG ^= EMPTY
* Exception: If Medicaid or Tricare plan exists on PLAN, and PLAN.PLANDFLG =
1/Yes or PLAN.LOSEPLFG = 1/Yes, if Medicaid or Tricare is added in the current
round, we will update the existing PLAN.PLANDFLG = empty and/or
PLAN.LOSEPLFG = 1/Yes and reactive the original PLAN record. See HI5, HIT1.

DMEM

DMEM.LOSEDMFG ^= EMPTY

OSOP

OSOP.OSOPHIDE = 1/Yes

NO LONGER USED

OSOP.LOSEOSFG ^= EMPTY
PAYM

PAYM.PAYMDFLG = 1/Yes

XCEV

XCEV.DELLINK = 1/Yes

3. SPECIFICATION ITEMS
WVS specifications include two basic elements, Questions and Route Boxes. A Question is equivalent to a
Page displayed in the WVS CAPI instrument. It collects data into Input Fields. The Route Box is a separate
specification item that specifies complex routing between Questions in the CAPI instrument. Both Questions
and Route Boxes are labeled by a unique Item Tag.
ITEMS SPECIFIED FOR QUESTIONS
Item Tag

Question Number.
Matches Cheshire Screen Name.
Format = Section ID + Numeric value
EX: OM1

Design Screen Type

Defines layout/intent of screen.
*See list of Screen Types

Fields

List of input field names in the order they are collected.

Enable Functions:

Yes/No
WVS system functions enabled:
HELP
Disregard Spec. No longer implemented.
COMMENTS
Disregard Spec. Should always be set to YES.
JUMPBACK
Disregard Spec. Not currently supported.

Roster Name:

Should read “Roster Pop-Up Name”.
Name of Roster Pop-Up Window specifications linked to Roster question.

Roster Type:

Single Item Select / Multiple Item Select
Single Item Select:
Only one item can be selected from roster.
Multiple Item Select:
More than one item can be selected from roster.
An additional “limit” to the number of items that may be selected on
Multiple Item Rosters to meet WVS database/system needs. This limit
will be specified in General Specifications.
No Selection Required:
Currently, Roster Type does not allow for “No Selection Required”.
“SELECTION NOT REQUIRED AT THIS ROSTER” should be added to
the Roster Display instructions if no selection is required on the roster.

Roster Functions:

Yes/No
Roster Functions enabled:
ADD ITEM
EDIT ITEM
DELETE ITEM
SEARCH ITEM
A separate field in SpecWriter stores the Function display text:
EX: Display as ‘Add a Plan’

Grid Functions:

NO LONGER SUPPORTED BY WVS.

DISPLAY INSTRUCTIONS:

Display instructions specify Display Fills, text layout and various text
styles (color, underline, etc).

Context Header display:

Display instructions for Context header.

Question display:

Display instructions for Question text.
Display instructions for Interviewer Instructions I and II.

Multi Field display:

Vertical / Horizontal
Enter additional complex screen layout specifications in Multi-Field
Display Instructions. This specification item appears directly under
Vertical/Horizontal alignment in the Full Specification report.
The default is to display Multiple Input fields as “overlays”.
However, an additional specification may be included to “display all input
fields at the same time, not as overlays” that overrides the default.
This will most often be used for Quantity Unit screen types.

Roster/Grid instructions:

Roster/Grid load instructions include:
Items to be displayed in roster/grid
Each item is displayed as a separate row
in roster/grid.
Order rows are to be displayed
What rows are Protected
Roster header

Roster/Grid display:

Roster/Grid column instructions include:
# of columns
Column headers – WVS only supports UPPER CASE headers
Data displayed in roster columns
Data displayed/collected in grid columns
Display fill instructions
Include “SELECTION NOT REQUIRED AT THIS ROSTER.” if

selection is not required.
Report Display:

Report display instructions include:
Items displayed in report
Each item is displayed as a separate
row in report.
Data displayed per column
Order rows are to be displayed
Report header
Column headers
Location of report, above or below question text

TEXT:
Context Header:

Context Header text.

Int. Instr I:

Interviewer Instructions I text.

Question Text:

Question text.

Int. Instr II:

Interviewer Instructions II text.

NOTE: Additional text may be specified to be displayed with each input field. See Item Text and Item Label.
INPUT FIELDS / ROUTING
Field:

Input Blaise FieldName.

Cheshire Name:

Segment.VariableName
Specifies the Cheshire Segment.VariableName associated with input field.
TEMP:

Is specified when the input field is considered “temporary”
in Cheshire and there is no Cheshire Variable Name
associated with this question. It is understood that these
fields will not be transformed back to the Cheshire
database.

NONE:

Is specified when a new Field Name is generated that does
not exist in the Cheshire Database. Typically, a list of
Cheshire Variable Names associated with the input field is
listed. There are special circumstances where we are
collecting data into new fields during data collection and
will be transforming the data back to the original Cheshire
Variable Name(s).
See Data Transformation and Field Name.

Item Text display:

Display instructions for Item text.
EX: Display (SPECIFY) in the same blue font used for interviewer
instructions.

Item Text:

Additional text that is displayed with the Input field only.
Is used to provide additional instructions to the interviewer if the Input
field is displayed.
EX: OTHER (SPECIFY)
Is displayed above the Input field, unless specified for LIST/GRID.
LIST screens: Item Text should be specified for each unique Question in
the LIST. It is displayed to the left of the LIST Response Categories.
GRID screens: Item Text specified for an input field on a GRID is
displayed only when that Input Column is “active”. It is displayed above
the GRID.

Label:

Text that will be displayed to the Left or Under the Input field.
Is typically used to further describe input expected.
EX:
AMOUNT:
NOTE: $ and % symbols are specified using a MASK. See MASK
instructions.

Label Position:

Left/Under
Location of Label in relationship to input field.

Field Type:

Type of input field:
Enumerated = list of response alternatives
String
= text field
Integer
= numeric field, no decimals
Real
= numeric field, decimals
Open
= Open text field

Type Name:

WVS Blaise Field Type Name.
Blaise Type Names are defined to simplify specification and
programming.
Blaise Type Names define common field attributes:
The Field Type (Enumerated, Integer…)
Field Length
Minimum Value

Maximum Value
Response alternatives
Attributes (DK, RF, EMPTY)
The Type Name is defined once and is then linked to multiple input fields.
EX: TYesNoDKRF
Is used for all YES/NO input fields where the response alternatives equal:
1/Yes
2/No
Attributes = DK and RF
The default is to name the Blaise Type Name to match the corresponding
Cheshire range name (if it exists):
T + Cheshire range name

Answers Allowed:

Numeric Value.
Specifies the maximum number of response alternatives that can be
selected at an enumerated field.
Applies to CODE 1/CODE ALL questions only.
Answers Allowed > 1 indicates a CODE ALL question.
Answers Allowed = 1 indicates a CODE 1 question.
Default setting = maximum number of response alternatives, excluding
DK and RF. Cannot exceed maximum number of response alternatives.
Answers Allowed = 1 will be specified at all other field types, including
Roster input fields.

Drop Down List:

Yes/No
Default = No.
If “Yes”, Enumerated response is displayed as a drop down list.
This option is often used in a GRID to minimize space requirements.

Lookup File:

Yes/No
Default = No.
If “Yes”, response will be selected from an external Look-up File.

Lookup File Name:

Name of Lookup File.

Field Size:

Maximum Length of Input for String or Open field types.
Length is not required for Integer and Real field types. The length of
integer and real fields is determined by Max Value.
Input values that exceed Field Size trigger a system error message.

Min Value:

Minimum value for system range.
Default = Cheshire range minimum value.
Input values that are less than Min Value trigger a system error message.

Max Value:

Maximum value for system range.
Default = Cheshire range maximum value.
Input values that are greater than Max Value trigger a system error
message.

Mask:

A mask further specifies the display of input field:
Dollars
Displays REAL fields with decimal.
Displays “$” left of input field.
Dollars No Cents
Displays REAL fields without decimal.
Displays “$” left of input field.
Percent
Displays % right of input field.

INPUT FIELDS:
Example of an Enumerated Input field:
Number
Label
1
Yes
English text: YES
2
No
English text: NO

Route
BOX ER6 (ERQ1365)
ER3B – HMOREFER (ERQ1080)

Number

Numeric value assigned to response alternative.
Default = Matches Cheshire WORD specifications.
The Cheshire database will continue to store the numeric value after data
transformation.

Label

WVS Blaise Label assigned to response alternative.
Another method for referencing numeric value.
Default = abbreviate English Text, no spaces allowed. Upper and Lower
case is used for easy recognition.
Unlike Cheshire, WVS SQL field stores the label, not the numeric value.
Therefore, both the label and numeric value are referenced in
specifications.

English text:

Response text that is displayed on screen
Default = ALL CAPS.
Default = Matches Cheshire WORD specifications.

Route:

The route is specified for each response alternative.
The Route specifies the destination Item tag and field name.

Value in parenthesis is an internal ID in SpecWriter.
Additional routing instructions may be included to specify complex
routing on multi-field screens.
“DO NOT DISPLAY” is specified when a response alternative should not
be displayed on screen.
Example of other field types:
Number
1

STRING, REAL, INTEGER, OPEN

Label
[Continuous answer.]

Route
BOX ER6 (ERQ1365)

All Non-Enumerated fields are displayed in a similar format as
Enumerated fields in the specifications.
Number and Label are always set to:
1
[Continuous answer]
Only one route is specified.
ATTRIBUTES

Don’t Know
Refusal
Empty

Allow Don’t Know response
Allow Refusal response
Allow non-response

Attributes are used to indicate whether or not Don’t Know, Refused or
Empty (non-response) is a valid response for input field.
If “Attribute” is a valid response, it will be specified with its appropriate
route instruction.
In Cheshire, DK and RF are specified as part of the variable’s response
alternatives. In WVS, DK and RF are considered attributes of the field
and are invoked using a system function.
BACKGROUND VARIABLE
ASSIGNMENTS

Specify additional conditions for setting background fields.
Summarize why background fields are set.
Field Name + Assignment Instructions:
Blaise/SQL Field name + instructions.
SOFT EDIT CHECKS

It is also known as a “SIGNAL” in Blaise.
A Soft Edit is specified to check for inconsistency in data.
If input data causes the edit check to fail, an edit window will display an
error message and a list of fields involved in the edit check.
The interviewer can select SUPPRESS to ignore the edit warning and
continue with the interview or can navigate back to an input field and
correct the data.
SOFT EDIT CHECKS are not supported on Rosters.

HARD EDIT CHECKS

A Hard Edit is specified to check for inconsistency in data.
If input data causes the edit check to fail, an edit window will display an
error message and a list of fields involved in the edit check.
The interviewer must navigate back to an input field and correct the data
before continuing.
A Hard edit is not necessary if check is covered by the input field Min and
Max values.
In some cases, the programmer may be able to implement the logic
specified at the hard edit as a WVS system range error. When this occurs,
the program error message may not match the specifications. However,
the logic that invokes the edit should match.

TECHNICAL NOTES

When display instructions, routing, background field assignments involve
complex database logic, the wording of the “condition” in the
specifications is simplified and is then further defined by a Technical
Note. The Technical Note defines in programming logic the database
conditions that must be true to satisfy the condition specified.
Technical notes are stored in 2 fields in SpecWriter:
Technical Note Name + Definition
Technical notes are global and can be linked to multiple questions and
route boxes.

DESIGN NOTES

Design notes are used to further define the intent of Question/Box.
Design notes often specify if Question/Box is the beginning or ending
point in a loop.
Design notes often specify at what point another section jumps into the
current section, or exits the current section.

SPECIFICATION ITEMS FOR ROUTE BOXES
Item Tag

Route Box Number
Matches Cheshire Route Box Name

Route Box Instructions

Instructions that direct complex routing.
Instructions are specified with IF, ELSE structure.
Each condition specified is separated by a line space and ends with
Routing instructions.
EX:
IF CONDITION IS TRUE, GO TO ST5 – MSNCLNUM.
ELSE GO TO ST6 – INSCLNUM.
May include Background Variable assignment instructions/calculations.

BACKGROUND VARIABLE
ASSIGNMENTS

Background Variable Assignments are stored in multiple fields in
SpecWriter:
Assignment Summary
Field Name + Assignment Instructions
Assignment Summary:
The Assignment Summary is displayed first in the Full Specification
Report.
It is used to:
Specify fields populated in Roster Pop-Up windows.
Specify when database records are generated.
Specify additional conditions for setting background fields.
Summarize why background fields are set.
Field Name + Assignment Instructions:
Blaise/SQL Field name + instructions.

TECHNICAL NOTES

When routing or background variable assignments involve complex
database logic, the wording of the “condition” in the Route Box is
simplified and is then further defined by a Technical Note. The Technical
Note defines in programming logic the database conditions that must be
true to satisfy the condition specified.
Technical notes are stored in 2 fields in SpecWriter:

Technical Note Name + Definition
Technical notes are global and can be linked to multiple questions and
route boxes.
DESIGN NOTES

Design notes are used to further define the intent of Route Box.
Design notes often specify if Question/Box is the beginning or ending
point in a loop.
Design notes often specify at what point another section jumps into the
current section, or exits the current section.

4. SPECIFICATION STANDARDS
DISPLAY INSTRUCTIONS
Display Fills are used to customize text based on current interview data. For example, if speaking with the
sample person (SP), the question text will often read “Have you…”. However, when speaking with a proxy, the
question text may read “Has John Smith…” (John Smith is name of Sample Person).
A Display Fill is specified in Text fields in parenthesis and lists display alternatives separated by “/”. Brackets
are also used when including nested display fills.
EX:
[(Have you/Has (SP)] seen a Medical Doctor since (REFERENCE DATE)?
Display Fills:

[Have you/Has (SP)]
(REFERENCE DATE)

“(SP)” is a nested Display Fill.

Each display fill embedded in text requires a display fill instruction. Most display fill instructions are specified
at the question level specification; however, if the display fill is used throughout the instrument, it is specified in
the General Specifications under Global Display Fills.
Display Fill instructions are specified with “IF, ELSE” structure.
If , display “1st display text alternative”.
Else display “2nd display text alternative”.
Typically, the display fill instruction may reference a previous input field (or fields). The input field will be
referenced in the following format:
Item Tag – Field Name = Response numeric value/Response label
EX:
If OM6 - ORTHTYPE=1/Braces, 2/Supports, 3/Shoes, or 7/Stockings, display "them".
Else display "it".
If the display fill instruction involves a field that cannot easily be linked back to one question, the display fill
instruction may reference the database table name. Typically, the Cheshire Segment.FieldName will be used.
Cheshire Segment.FieldName = Response numeric value/Response label
EX:
If EVNT.ORTHTYPE= 91/Other, display other specify text, EVNT.EVOSTEXT.
Else display EVNT.ORTHTYPE response.
EX:
Display Person’s first name, ROST.ROSTFNAM.

If the display fill instruction involves multiple fields and the logic is too complex to describe in a simple “IF”
condition, the specification is simplified by using a generic statement that is further defined by a Technical
Note. See Technical Notes.
EX:
If SP is the respondent, display "have".
Else display "has".
Technical Note:
Respondent

A Proxy interview (respondent is a proxy) =
MRES.SPPROXY=2/Proxy.
MRES.RROSTNUM=ROST.ROSTNUM of respondent.
An SP interview (respondent is the SP) =
MRES.SPPROXY=1/SP.
MRES.RROSTNUM='01'.

EX:
If event entered as a Repeat Visit, display number of visits, EVNT.RVTIMES.
Else do not display.
Technical Note:
RepeatVisit

If event entered as a Repeat Visit =
EVNT.VISTTYPE=2/RepeatVisit.

CODE ALL conditions:
Because CODE ALL fields can include multiple responses, CODE ALL fields are referenced using “includes”:
EX:
If response to OP3 - OPDREAS includes 1/MedCondNamed or 6/Surgery, then display …
ALWAYS DISPLAY PARENTHESIS:
When question text is in parentheses and is not a display fill, include a display instruction to always display text
in parenthesis:
EX:
Always display "(may)" and "(health maintenance organizations)" in second sentence in parenthesis.
EX:
Always display “(s)” in 3rd sentence in parenthesis.

EMBEDDED INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTIONS IN QUESTION TEXT:
Interviewer Instructions embedded in Question text appear in ALL CAPS and is enclosed in brackets.
Interviewer Instructions embedded in Question text should always be displayed in brackets as specified.
1) One type of Interviewer instruction embedded in the Question text is an instruction to read a list of items in a
report.
EX:
[READ PLAN NAMES BELOW]
[IF RESPONDENT HAS BOTTLE, ASK:]

The default display instruction is to display this text in the same blue font used for interviewer instructions.
2) A second type of Interviewer Instruction embedded in the Question text is an instruction to read additional
Question text to the respondent.
EX:
[ PROBE: Addition text that can be read.]
[ EXPLAIN IF NECESSARY: Additional text can be read.]
The default display instruction is:
Display “Interviewer Instruction” in the same blue font used by interviewer instructions.
Display a “single space” between Open Bracket and “Interviewer Instruction”.
Display a “colon” after “Interviewer Instruction”.
Display a double space” between “colon” and additional Question Text.
Always display brackets that enclose the Interviewer Instruction and additional text.

DISPLAY INSTRUCTIONS IN LOOP:
When specifying text at a question in a loop, where the question will be asked for multiple items, include
instruction to “display name of item” currently being asked about.
EX:
Display the event date for the orthopedic item being asked about.
HIGHLIGHTING TEXT IN QUESTION:
When text on the screen should be highlighted, it will be specified as:
EX:
Display “not” in BOLD.
BOLD definition: Display text in larger font size.
“DO NOT DISPLAY” DISPLAY FILLS:

If a display fill is specified with the option of “Else do not display.”, programming should correct spacing in
text:
EX:
If PM has already been entered, display “any other”.
Else do not display.
1) Correct any “double spacing” in Question text if display fill is not displayed.
2) Correct extra space in front of punctuation when display fill appears at the end of a sentence and
display fill is not displayed.

RESPONSE ALTERNATIVES
Question response options include the following types of fields:
Enumerated field
Interviewer selects from predetermined list of response alternatives.
EX: YES, NO
Response alternatives displayed with radio button = single select response.
Response alternatives displayed with check box = multi select response.
Response alternative text displayed in ALL CAPS is not read to respondent.
Response alternative text displayed in Upper/Lower case is read to the respondent.
String field
Alphanumeric response.
Field defined by length of field.
Entry field displayed as a single line equal to the length specified.
Integer field
Numeric response, no decimals.
Field defined by minimum and maximum value allowed.
Entry field displayed is large enough to hold maximum value.
Can specify MASK to automatically display “$”, “%”, “.” as part of input field display.
Real field
Numeric response, collect decimals.
Field defined by minimum and maximum value allowed.
Entry field displayed is large enough to hold maximum value.
Can specify MASK to automatically display “$”, “%”, “.” as part of input field display.
Open field
Alphanumeric response.
Field defined by length of field.
Entry field displayed as an OPEN text box that allows text wrap.
Implemented for Cheshire Verbatim Text questions.
Roster
List of related items displayed in table format, with multiple columns and rows.
Each row is a unique item.
Each column displays common data for each row.
Response is entered by selecting a row.
Input field = string field.
String field holds “pointers” to items selected.
Roster can be specified to add, delete and edit rows.

Grid
Used to collect details for multiple items in a list.
EX: Household grid collects details about all persons already identified in the household.
Unlike a Roster, the Grid is displayed with a fixed number of rows. WVS does not support adding or
deleting rows in a grid. Therefore, what will be displayed in a grid is predetermined, often through a
roster, and then loaded into the grid.
Typically, the first column in a grid is specified as “display only” and contains identifying information
for each row. EX: Household person name.
The remaining columns contain input fields for specific questions. EX: Column 2 = Person’s Gender,
Column 3 = Person’s Date of Birth.
Unlike a roster, the responses to these questions are entered directly into a grid cell.
Each cell is specified as a unique input field that can be an enumerated, string, real, or integer input
field.
The interview can navigate between rows and columns in the grid.

No Entry field
A NO ENTRY screen is used to present information to the respondent when a response is not required.
Input field is specified as an enumerated field.
Default Field Type Name = TContinueEmpty.
Although an input field is specified, it is used for programming purposes only and is not displayed on
the screen. The interviewer can simply select the appropriate system function to move to the next page.

EDIT CHECKS
Edit checks are specified to check inconsistencies in data.
Edit Structure:
“Logical condition that should be true.”
If not true, display message “ERROR MESSAGE”.
EX:
MDVLHRS = 1-16.
If not true, display message “ERROR MESSAGE IS IN ALL CAPS”.
If the input value(s) trigger the logical condition as “not true”, a separate EDIT window
will be displayed that displays the error message and a list of fields involved in the edit
check. The interviewer can then select a field from the list which will allow the
interviewer to update the input value and correct the error.
The default is to display the fields involved in the edit check in the order the fields are
collected in the interview. In the example above, only MDVLHRS will be displayed.
However, INVOLVES can be used to override the default display.
EX:
MDVLHRS = 1-16.
If not true, display message “ERROR MESSAGE IS IN ALL CAPS”.
INVOLVES MDVUNIT, MDVLHRS, MDVLMIN.
In this example, MDVUNIT, MDVLHRS, MDVLMIN will be displayed.
Testing edits under certain conditions:
Use IF THEN statement to specify an edit under certain conditions.
EX:
If SPINSTMM=2/February, then SPINSTDD=1-28.
If not true, display message “ERROR MESSAGE IS IN ALL CAPS”.
In this example, the edit is tested only when SPINSTMM=2/February.
Using IF THEN, ELSE statements:
If multiple values need to be tested for the same field, use the IF THEN, ELSE structure:
EX:
If RXDEUNIT=1/PerYear, then RXDEAMT = $25.00 to $1,500.00.
Else if RXDEUNIT=2/Quarterly, then RXDEAMT = $20.00 to $250.00.
If not true, display “ERROR MESSAGE IS IN ALL CAPS”

Soft Edits:
If specifying a soft edit, you can use “should” to make it easier for the programmer to read:
EX:
RXDEUNIT should ^= 91/Other.
If not true, display “ERROR MESSAGE IS IN ALL CAPS”
Specifying date ranges:
Specify using “on or between” instead of “>=” and “<=”.
EX:
SPINSTYY should be on or between (current year – 108) and (current year).
(current year – 108) is read as “Current Year minus 108”.
(current year – 108) and (current year) should be treated as a calculated “fill”.
Utilizing fills:
There are times when “Display fills” or “Calculated fills” are used in edits.
EX:
Admission date, EVBEGMM/EVBEGDD/EVBEGYY, must be on or between (REFERENCE DATE) and
(TODAY/DATE OF DEATH/DATE OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION).
If not true, display message "INVALID DATE. ADMISSION DATE MUST BE ON OR
BETWEEN (REFERENCE DATE) AND (TODAY/DATE OF
DEATH/DATE OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION)".
INVOLVES EVBEGMM, EVBEGDD, EVBEGYY.
(REFERENCE DATE) and (TODAY/DATE OF DEATH/DATE OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION) should be
substituted with actual dates specified in the global display fills. Any display fill used that is not defined in the
global display fills needs to be specified directly under the edit specification using the same standards as display
instructions.
•
•
•
•
•

Soft edits are invoked before hard edits.
Multiple soft and hard edits can be specified.
Edits are invoked in the order they are specified.
Error message is specified by design.
Soft edits are not currently supported by WVS in Rosters.

ROSTERS
In the Community questionnaire, we maintain dynamic lists of related data items.
ROSTER

CHESHIRE
SEGMENT

PERSON ROSTER

ROST

EVENT ROSTERS

EVNT

PROVIDER ROSTER

PROV

CONDITION ROSTER

COND

HOUSEHOLD
ROSTER

ENUM,
ROST

PLAN ROSTER

PLAN,
PLRO

STATEMENT EVENT
ROSTERS

EVNT

SOURCE OF
PAYMENT ROSTERS

TSOP

STATEMENT
CHARGE BUNDLE
ROSTERS
UTILIZATOIN
SUMMARY
ROSTERS

COST

EVNT

DESCRIPTION

ROSTER POP-UP NAME
*Specified in WVS
SpecWriter Report under
"Roster Name".

POP-UP Description

Displays person information for all
persons discussed in interview.
Ex: Proxy, contacts, helpers,
household members, main insured
persons, home owners, etc.
Displays person's first name, last
name, and relationship to SP.
Displays single date events,
including Repeat Visit events.
Displays event begin month, day,
year, Repeat Visit flag, Number of
visits for repeat visit events.
Displays single date events,
disallows Repeat Visit events.
Displays event begin month, day,
and year.
Displays names of medicines
prescriped to SP.
Displays names of providers SP
visited/went to see.
Displays names conditions SP
reported as reasons for Dr. visits,
surgeries, etc.
Displays names of persons living
in household. Utilizes the Person
Roster Pop-Up Window/ROST for
adding new household members.
Displays health insurance plans
SP is/was enrolled in. Displays
plan name and status.
Displays events collected in ST
series. Displays event type,
begin date, end dates.

PERSON ROSTER

Allows Persons to be added.

EVENT ROSTER BEGIN
DATE RV

Allows events to be added with
Repeat Visit.

EVENT ROSTER BEGIN
DATE

Allows events to be added - no
Repeat Visit.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
ROSTER
PROVIDER ROSTER

Allows PM events to be added.
Allows Providers to be added.

CONDITION ROSTER

Allows Conditions to be added.

HOUSEHOLD ROSTER

Allows Person in the Household to
be added.

PLAN ROSTER

Allows Plans to be added.

STATEMENT EVENT
ROSTER

Allows events to be added only.

STATEMENT EVENT EDIT
ROSTER

Allows events to be edited only.
Also called in UTS.

STATEMENT OM EDIT
ROSTER

Allows OM events to be edited only.
Also called in UTS.

SOURCE OF PAYMENT
ROSTER

Allows SOP to be added only.

STATEMENT CHARGE
BUNDLE ROSTER

Allows Charge Bundles to be added
only.

STATEMENT EVENT EDIT
ROSTER

Allows events to be edited only.

STATEMENT OM EDIT
ROSTER

Allows OM events to be edited only.

Displays eligible Sources of
Payments in ST series. Displays
name of SOP.
Displays charge bundles entered
in ST series. Displays type of
statement, claim control numbers.
Displays events collected in
previous round.

EX:
Lists of persons, health insurance plans, medical visits, etc.
A Roster is a display of related data items in a table format with multiple rows and columns.
Each row in the roster represents a unique item in the list.
EX:
One row per Health Insurance plan reported.
Each column in the roster displays common data.
EX:
Column 1 = Plan Name, Column 2 = Plan type, Column 3 = Plan Status.
A Roster can be used to collect new items or as a method for linking an item to a particular question.
When responding to a roster question, the interviewer must enter the response by selecting the appropriate row
or rows that apply.
Rosters can be specified to allow adding, editing or deleting rows.
The Roster is display only. The interviewer cannot navigate between rows and columns.
When adding or editing a row, the interviewer selects a function that invokes a separate Roster Pop-Up
Window. Item details are then collected in the Roster Pop-Up Window.
Data entered/updated in Roster Pop-Up Window is automatically reflected in the roster display once Roster
Pop-Up Window is exited.
Typically, when an item is added, it is automatically displayed as “selected” once the roster is refreshed.
When a roster is first displayed, existing items can be loaded into the roster or the roster can be empty. Roster
display instructions specify which items are loaded in roster and how they will be displayed.
Items can be specified as a protected row, disallowing it to be selected as a response to the question.
No items in a roster should be displayed as a pre-selected row unless otherwise specified by design.
Example of Roster instructions:
Display all orthopedic items that have been reported in the current round where:
EVNT.EVNTDFLG^=1/Yes, and
EVNT.EVNTRNDC = current round, and
EVNT.EVNTTYPE = 'OM', and
EVNT.OMETYPE = 3/Orthopedic.
Display all loaded events as protected rows.

Display in order of entry.
Example of Roster display:
COL #
HEADER
1
2
3

First Name
Last Name
Relationship to SP

In Household

INSTRUCTIONS
Display ROST.ROSTFNAM.
Display ROST.ROSTLNAM.
Display relationship:
If ROST.ROSTREL=91/OtherRelative or
92/OtherNon-Relative, display
ROST.ROSTREOS.
Else display ROST.ROSTREL
relationship code.
If there is a current round ENUM for this
person and ENUM.NOTHHRSN=empty,
display "YES".
Else if person just added, display "YES".
Else do not display.

Roster Column Headers
Currently WVS only supports UPPER CASE column headers. If column headers are specified in Upper Lower
case, the column headers should be implemented as UPPER CASE in Roster display.
ROSTER vs ROSTER POP-UP WINDOW.
It is important to differentiate between a Roster and a Roster Pop-Up Window.
ROSTER

References a Roster Question display. Rosters are often categorized by the type
of data being displayed:
EX:
Event Roster
Plan Roster
Person Roster
Household Roster
Condition Roster
Person Roster
The Roster Category does not describe what columns or rows are displayed; the
columns and rows can be customized at each instance of the Roster Question
display. (In the future, we may standardize and label each unique Roster
Question display).

ROSTER
POP-UP WINDOW

References a separate pop-up window used for adding/editing items in a roster.
The Pop-Up Window specification is a separate specification report and is
identified by a Roster Pop-Up Window name:
EX:
Event Roster Begin Date
Event Roster Begin Date RV
Plan Roster

Person Roster
The Roster Pop-Up window specification describes what fields are collected in
the pop-up window, the pop-up window layout and text, the route between
multiple fields, as well as the fields set in the background. A single Roster PopUp window may be linked to multiple Roster Question displays.
EX:
The Event Roster has 2 types of Pop-Up Roster Specifications:
Event Roster Begin Date Pop-Up
Event Roster Begin Date RV Pop-UP
Prescription Medicine Pop-Up
Statement Event Edit Pop-Up
Statement Event Pop-Up
Roster Name: Specifies the name of the Roster Pop-Up Window Specifications
linked to the Roster Question. (Should be labeled “Roster Pop-Up Window
Name”).

SINGLE ITEM VS MULTI ITEM SELECT ROSTER
Roster Type:
A roster is specified as a Single Item Select or Multi Item Select Roster.
Single Item Select =

When exiting Roster, only one item may be selected.

Multi Item Select =

When exiting Roster, more than one item may be selected.
Although Multi Item Select implies unlimited number of items may be selected,
there is a maximum number of total records allowed in the roster that is applied to
each roster based on project needs. *This number has not yet been specified.
Design is currently accepting the maximum number implemented in the current
instrument release. This is a future design issue.

ADDING BUT NOT SELECTED
The ADDED BUT NOT SELECTION function has been added to the WVS system functionality. If the
interviewer adds and unselects items in a Roster, WVS will display a warning message when pressing NEXT
PAGE to exit Roster. The WVS system message will be displayed for each item ADDED BUT NOT
SELECTED and will prompt the interviewer to either DELETE the item or SELECT the item. The DELETE
option will be enabled at all Rosters for Items just added. More details to be included in General Specifications
as we gain experience with this feature.

ROUTE BOXES
Route Boxes are identified by an Item Tag that matches the Cheshire Box Name.
Route boxes are used to direct complex routing in the section flow. They may include calculations, background
variable specifications.
A Route Box specifies a series of conditions, with each condition (or set of conditions) specified with a route
instruction. The conditions are specified using an “IF, ELSE ” structure.
EX:
IF MC2 – WHATWRNG = 1/EnrolledNewPlan, GO TO MC5 - PLAN_MHMOMCA.
ELSE GO TO HIMC16 - MHMOMORE.

References to input fields will be specified in the following format:
IF ITEM TAG – FIELD NAME = NUMERIC VALUE/LABEL, GO TO ITEM TAG – FIELD NAME.
EX:
IF MC2 – WHATWRNG = 1/EnrolledNewPlan, GO TO MC5 - PLAN_MHMOMCA.
CODE ALL fields hold all possible responses in one field. Multiple response are referenced using
“includes”.
EX:
IF RESPONSE TO AC9 – OPDREAS INCLUDES 1/MedCondNamed or 6/Surgery, GO TO….

Complex logic may be specified using a generic statement that is further defined by Technical Note(s):
EX:
IF (SP IS IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL, ORD OR DUAL ELIGIBLE SAMPLE)
AND (SP HAS A LOADED CMS MEDICARE MANAGED CARE PLAN),
GO TO MC1 - LOADCORR.
ELSE IF (SP IS NOT IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL, ORD OR DUAL
ELIGIBLE SAMPLE) AND (SP HAS A MEDICARE MANAGED CARE
PLAN THAT WAS "CURRENT" AT THE TIME OF THE PREVIOUS
ROUND INTERVIEW), GO TO HIMC1A – MHMOSAME.
ELSE GO TO HIMC1 - MHMOCOV.

Technical Notes:
SuppORD

Supplemental, ORD, or Dual Eligible Sample SP =

MRES.INTTYPE=3/NewFromSupplement.
DeletedPlans

Deleted plans that are not valid for displays or
Checks =
Any PLAN where (PLAN.PLANDFLG=1/Yes or
PLAN.MHMODFLG=1/Yes or
PLAN.PLANHIDE=1/Yes or PLAN.LOSEPLFG
^=EMPTY) is a deleted PLAN.

MHMOCurrPrevRnd

Medicare Managed Care plan "current" at time of
previous round interview=
MRES.INTTYPE^=2,5,6 and there is (a PLAN where
PLAN.PLANTYPE=5/MHMO and a PLRO where
(PLROPLAN=this PLAN.PLANNUM and
PLRO.PLRORND=previous round and
PLRO.COVCURNT=1/Yes)).

LoadedMHMO

Loaded CMS Medicare Managed Care plan =
There is a PLAN where PLAN.PLANTYPE=5/MHMO
and PLAN.MHMOLRND = current round.
Plan name = PLAN.PLNAME.

A Route Box can specify one level of nested conditions:
EX:
IF FALL ROUND THEN
IF SP NEVER ENROLLED IN A MEDICARE MANAGED CARE PLAN
AND SP IS ALIVE, GO TO HIMC1INT - MHMOINT.
ELSE GO TO BOX HIMC4.
ELSE GO TO BOX HI1.
Specifying Loops using Route Boxes:
Route Boxes are used to specify loops in questionnaire. In Cheshire, loops were often specified with one box,
including wording such as:
EX:
CYCLE THROUGH MP7 TO MP9 FOR EACH MP EVENT ENTERED AT MP6 THAT WAS
ENTERED AS A REPEAT VISIT. WHEN COMPLETE, GO TO MP10.
The convention in WVS will be to specify a “Begin Loop” and “End Loop” box.
EX:

MP6 (Roster – collect multiple events)

BOX 1:

IF AT LEAST ONE EVENT ENTERED AT MP6 WAS ENTERED AS A REPEAT
VISIT, GO TO MP7 - FIELD NAME.
ELSE GO TO MP10 – FIELD NAME.
MP7
MP8
MP9
BOX 2:
IF ANOTHER EVENT ENTERED AT MP6 AS A REPEAT VISIT, GO TO MP7 FIELD NAME.
ELSE GO TO MP10 – FIELD NAME.
MP10
If the Loop is based solely on the existence of a list, e.g. Roster, a “Begin Loop” box may not be needed.
EX:

MP6 (Roster – collect multiple events)
MP7
MP8
MP9
BOX 2:
IF ANOTHER EVENT ENTERED AT MP6, GO TO MP7 - FIELD NAME.
ELSE GO TO MP10 – FIELD NAME.
MP10

Complex End Loops:
Sometimes there is one Route Box that handles the “End Loop” for multiple loops, a series of nested conditions
may be specified:
EX:
IF REVIEWING PRIVATE PLANS THAT THE SP WAS COVERED BY AT THE TIME OF THE
PREVIOUS ROUND INTERVIEW THEN
IF SP COVERED BY ANOTHER PRIVATE PLAN AT THE TIME OF THE PREVIOUS
ROUND INTERVIEW, GO TO HI21 – COVTIME.
ELSE GO TO HI17 - PRVCOVER.

ELSE IF REVIEWING PRIVATE PLANS THAT WERE REPORTED NEW OR RESTARTED IN
THE CURRENT ROUND THEN
IF ANOTHER PRIVATE PLAN REPORTED NEW OR RESTARTED IN THE CURRENT
ROUND, GO TO HI21 – COVTIME.
ELSE GO TO BOX HI19A.

End Loops Route Box used with Instance Navigator:
When Instance Navigator is invoked, there will be an End Loop Route Box specified that directs route back to
Instance Navigator screen for next item in List.
EX:
BOX DU4
IF ANOTHER DENTAL VISIT SELECTED AT DU6, GO TO DU6_IN - NAVIGATOR ( DUQ1145 ).
ELSE GO TO DU14 - DUMORE ( DUQ1330 ).

It will be important to specify that the ELSE CONDITION is not invoked until CONTINUE INTERVIEW is
selected at Instance Navigator screen. A Design Note should be included:
EX:
NOTE ON ELSE CONDITION:
Once all items at DU6_IN Instance Navigator screen are DONE, routing
will return to DU6_IN until Interviewer selects CONTINUE INTERVIEW.
When DU6_IN CONTINUE INTERVIEW is selected, BOX DU4 specifies
routing to the next item.

BACKGROUND VARIABLE ASSIGNMENTS
Example of Background Variable Assignments:
For Event(s) added, see Event Roster Begin Date specifications for pop-up window
programming instructions.
Variables populated in Event Roster Begin Date:
EVNT.EVNTNUM Event number
EVNT.EVNTRNDC Round
EVNT.EVBEGMM Event Month
EVNT.EVBEGDD Event Day
EVNT.EVBEGYY Event Year
BASE.LASTEVNT Highest EVNT.EVNTNUM.
For each event added, set additional EVNT fields as instructed below.
EVNTTYPE
OMETYPE
STOMTYPE
EVNTPROV

EVNT.EVNTTYPE = OM.
EVNT.OMETYPE = 1/EyeGlasses.
EVNT.STOMTYPE = 1/EyeGlasses.
EVNT.EVNTPROV = 01.

The following list the rules for specifying Background Variables.
Background Variable specifications are used to specify when a field is assigned a value “behind” a Question or
Route Box. The field specified will be the name of the WVS SQL field, but should also be the same as the
Blaise input field. In addition, the Cheshire Segment name was included to help locate field/variable in
Cheshire. Typically, the corresponding WVS SQL table name will be Tbl + Cheshire Segment name.
Specifications are stored in SpecWriter in the following fields:
Assignment Summary
Summarizes what fields are collected in corresponding Roster Pop-Up Window.
Summarizes fields that will be assigned a value “behind” Question or Route Box.
Variable + Assignment Instructions
Blaise/SQL Field name + what value is assigned to field.
EX:
The question displayed at PM1A is repeated in other utilization sections. Only show this
probe for prescription medicine bottles once during the current round interview.
If PM1A - PMAPMMEDS is asked, set flag as instructed below:
GETPMMEDS

Set GETPMMEDS=1/Yes.

Specifying Background Variables for Rosters:
Specify the following in the Assignment Summary:
1) Reference Pop-Up window specifications.
2) List variables populated in Pop-Up window.
3) List all records that need to be generated, include fields that make up the record’s KEY. This is
typically specified using Cheshire Segment/Key notation, however, can be applied to the WVS
SQL table key.
4) List instructions for other fields that are assigned a value “behind” Roster.
Specify the following in the Variable + Assignment Instructions:
1) Each field that is assigned a value “behind” Roster.
EX:
Assignment Summary:
If adding a new condition, see Condition Roster Pop-Up window specifications.
Variables populated at the Condition Roster:
COND.CONDNUM
COND.CONDRNDC
COND.CONDTION
All Conditions selected at IP11 should be linked to the Inpatient Stay being asked about. Link
Conditions to IP visit on XCON.
XCON key = XCON.XCONBASE + XCON.XCONEVNT + XCON.XCONBAS2 +
CON.XCONCOND.
For each condition selected at IP11, create an XCON where XCONEVNT=EVNT.EVNTNUM
of Inpatient Stay and XCONCOND = COND.CONDNUM of Condition. XCONBASE and
XCONBAS2 both equal the Cheshire BASE.BASEID. Set additional XCON variables as
specified below.
Variable + Assignment Instructions:
XCONEVNT
XCON.XCONEVNT = EVNT.EVNTNUM of Inpatient Stay being asked
about.
XCONCOND
XCON.XCONCOND = COND.CONDNUM of
Condition selected at IP11.
XCONRNDC
XCON.XCONRNDC = current round.

Q. Which fields from Roster Pop-Up Window should be specified in Question specifications?
A. Typically all fields that are only associated with the Roster Pop-Up window will be specified in
the Roster Pop-Up specifications and will be listed in the Background Variable Assignment
Summary.

However, if the field is that that gets assigned is determine by which question is being
administered, the background variable should be specified at the Question under Background
Variable Assignments.
EX: When an event is added in the Event Roster Pop-Up window, EVNT.EVNTTYPE is
usually set based on which instance of the Event roster is being asked (DU, OP, MP, etc.)

TECHNICAL NOTES
In Route Boxes, it is important to maintain a level of readability. When the Route Box instruction is too
complex, typically the condition is simplified in the specification and is then further specified by a Technical
note. Technical notes provide technical specifications regarding how to implement the Route Box instruction.
Although we have more flexibility in writing display instructions and edit checks, Technical Notes are also used
to define logic that is repeated throughout the questionnaire.
Example of a simplified condition used in specification:
If SP covered by a Managed Care Plan anytime during the current round, then…
Example of Technical note linked to specification:
ManagedCarePlan

SP covered by a Managed Care Plan anytime during the current
round =
There is a PLRO where (PLRO.PLRORND=current
round and (PLRO.PPRVHMO=1/Yes or
PLRO.COVANYTM=1/Yes or
PLRO.MCAIDHMO=1/Yes)).

Technical notes are labeled with a Technical Note Name and are numbered automatically by SpecWriter. The
Technical Note Name is an abbreviation of the statement being defined - no spaces are allowed. The first
statement in the technical note should match the condition specified.
Technical notes reference Cheshire Segment.FieldNames and must be translated to the SQL Table.FieldName
by the user. Parenthesis is used to define the order that the conditions should be evaluated.
Round specific database records:
If a technical note references a Cheshire Segment/SQL Table that has round specific records, if the round
number is not specified, the default is to reference the current round record.

DATA TRANSFORMATION AND FIELD NAMES
The following list examples of Cheshire Variables that need additional specifications to support data
transformation.
Input field names reflect the WVS SQL field name. The default is to match the Cheshire variable name. There
are several types of variables where WVS collects data differently from Cheshire. Under these circumstances,
the WVS SQL field name may not match the Cheshire variable name. (see further instructions below)
All SQL field names that will be transformed back to Cheshire should not exceed 8 characters to match
Cheshire conventions.
INSTANCE NAVIGATOR:
In WVS, we are specifying “NAVIGATOR” as a generic field name on all Instance Navigator screens. This
field name will not be used by the WVS system. Therefore, CHESHIRE field name is specified as “N/A”
Data Transformation:
These fields will not be stored in WVS or transformed back to Cheshire database.
CHESHIRE “TEMP” VARIABLES:
In Cheshire, TEMP fields are not assigned a variable name. In WVS, a new field will be generated.
Data Transformation:
These fields will not be transformed back to Cheshire and can be longer than 8 characters. Typically, the new
field name does not match an existing Item Tag.
EVOS records:
In Cheshire, we stored Other Specify Text Response to Questions in Utilization on an EVNT child segment
called EVOS.
Data Transformation:
In WVS, these Other Specify Text Response fields were stored on EVNT and will need to be transformed back to
the EVOS table.
COSA records:
In Cheshire, we stored MSN Claim Control Numbers on COSA.
Data Transformation:
In WVS, these MSN claim control numbers were stored on COST and will need to be transformed back to the
COSA table.

CHESHIRE CODE ALL THAT APPLY VARIABLES (CODE ALL):
In Cheshire, the input to CODE ALL screens is stored in separate variables. Each Cheshire variable is
associated with a response to the CODE ALL question and is assigned a value based on the response(s)
selected.

In WVS, the CODE ALL response is stored in a single field. A new field will be generated and transformed
back to the multiple variables in Cheshire. Typically, the name of the new field is similar to the Cheshire
variables associated with the CODE ALL question.
Data Transformation:
If DK or RF is entered as the response, all Cheshire variables associated with this CODE ALL THAT APPLY
screen are set to DK or RF to match. This DOES NOT include the OTHER SPECIFY TEXT field. No other
response is an option.
For each response checked, the corresponding Cheshire variable will be set to 1/Indicated. For each response
not checked, the corresponding Cheshire variable will be set to 2/Not Indicated. This DOES NOT include the
OTHER SPECIFY TEXT field.
If “Other” is selected as a response, the Other Specify text will be stored directly into the existing Cheshire
Other Specify field. If the “Other” response is unchecked, the Other Specify Text field should be set to empty.
CHESHIRE VERBATIM TEXT VARIABLES:
In Cheshire, Verbatim Text screens collect each line of verbatim text response in a separate variable. Typically,
in the input variables are numbered by input line:
PPRVBUS1, PPRVBUS2, PPRVBUS3.
In WVS, Verbatim Text is collected and stored in a single field. A new field will be generated and transformed
back to the multiple variables in Cheshire. The length of the new field should be set to the product of the
Cheshire variable length and the number of lines collected in Cheshire.
The new field name in WVS is named using the following naming convention:
Cheshire variable name minus line #.
EX:
WVS SQL field name
Cheshire variable names

=
=

PREVSAT
PREVSAT1
PREVSAT2
REVSAT3

If we cannot use the current naming convention because the “NEW” name already exists, the second convention
would be:
Cheshire variable name minus line # + VB.
EX:
WVS SQL field name
Cheshire variable names

=
=

JOINHMOVB
JOINHMO1
JOINHMO2

JOINHMO3
Data Transformation:
The single VB field in WVS needs to be transformed back to the multiple variables in Cheshire. Depending on
the length and number of Cheshire fields, the WVS field will be parsed to fill the Cheshire variables in the order
of the Cheshire Line #’s.
OPTIONAL RADIO BUTTONS TO ENHANCE DATA COLLECTION IN WVS:
In certain scenarios, we store “reserved values” in Cheshire variables to represent a specific response. For
example, in Cheshire we have a variable that stores “Number of Years” the SP was in the facility. If the SP was
in a facility “Less than a Year”, the interviewer is instructed to enter “96”. This type of screen has been
designed in WVS with an option radio button to improve data collection:
Number of Years: _________
O Less Than One Year.
In this example, the original Cheshire field, HMONUMYR, is collected on the first line followed by the new
field, HMONUM96, on the second line. The new field is an enumerated field with only one response
alternative.
Since only one input field should be entered, both fields will be specified with EMPTY attribute. A Hard Edit
will be necessary to ensure that only one field is entered.
Data Transformation:
During data transformation, the additional radio button field needs to be transformed back to Field name and
value specified under the WVS SPEC Cheshire name.
EX:
Field Name:
Cheshire Name:

HMONUM96
NONE

Replaces the following Cheshire Value:
If HMONUM96=1/LessThanYear, set
ACCS.HMONUMYR=96.
DATA TRANFORMATION REVIEW:
See the following files
MCBS WVS Data Transformation Special Fields.xls
This document lists all of the special data transformation fields that need to be tested to make sure the SQL field
is transformed correctly to Cheshire. Any fields not transformed correctly will need to be updated in data
editing.
MCBS WVS Pilot 1 Database Review EMPTY fields.xls

This document summaries fields that either did not exist in SQL or were set incorrectly to NULL. There fields
will need to be reviewed and possibly corrected in data editing. Pilot 1 cleanup comments are included in this
document.
NEW CHESHIRE VARIABLES TO REPLACE MISSING/OUT OF RANGE VALUES:
In certain scenarios, WVS does not support data types in Cheshire. Therefore, new fields were created in WVS
to store data previously stored in a different field in Cheshire. The new fields were also created in the Cheshire
Database. Data Editing will need to be updated to check the new logic for these fields.
Examples of Cheshire data types:
MISS(-5)
Event Begin Day = miss(-5) represents a Repeat visit event.
Certain Household Enumeration fields = miss(-5) to flag that question will “no longer be asked”.
Value = 95
Event End Month = 95 represents on ongoing IP stay.
Alteration Event Begin Month = 95 to represent an ongoing alteration.
In order to collect these data values, a new field is generated in the Cheshire database and the WVS SQL
database to replace the use of the special Cheshire data types. For existing data in the Cheshire database, the
original value will be translated to the new field prior to data transformation.
REPEAT VISIT:
New Cheshire Variable =
EVNT.VISTTYPE

1 SingleVisit
2 RepeatVisit

EVNT.EVBEGDD = miss(-5) will be translated to:
EVNT.EVBEGDD = miss(-1) and EVNT.VISTTYPE = 2/RepeatVisit.
All other EVNTs where Repeat Visit is a valid option will be translated to:
EVNT.VISTTYPE = 1/SingleVisit.

HOUSEHOLD DATA:
New Cheshire Variable =
ROST.ENSFLAG

1 Yes

ROST.ENSFLAG = 1/Yes indicates that ENS10, which reviews missing household enumeration data from the
previous round, has already been asked and should not be asked in future rounds.
All ENUM data that is currently set to miss(-5) will be translated to:

ENUM database field = DK and ROST.ENSFLAG = 1/Yes.

ON-GOING IP STAYS:
New Cheshire Variable =
EVNT.IPSTATUS

1 StillInHospital
2 Discharged

EVNT.EVENDMM = 95 will be translated to:
EVNT.EVENDMM = miss(-1) and EVNT.IPSTATUS = 1/StillInHospital.
IP events that have a discharge date entered will be translated to:
EVNT.IPSTATUS = 2/Discharged

ON-GOING ALTERATIONS:
New Cheshire Variable =
EVNT.OMSTATUS

1 AlterationNotComplete
2 AlterationComplete

EVNT.EVBEGMM = 95 will be translated to:
EVNT.EVBEGMM = miss(-1) and EVNT.OMSTATUS = 1/AlterationNotComplete
Alterations that have a date entered will be translated to:
EVNT.OMSTATUS = 2/AlterationComplete.

Data Transformation:
Since the new field will be generated in the Cheshire database, there are no specials rules for data
transformation.

EVNTS “DELETED” IN CHARGE BUNDLES:
New Cheshire Variable =
XCEV.DELLINK

1 Yes

In the Cheshire CAPI instrument, the interviewer could “delete” events linked to a charge bundle in the COST
series. In WVS, we will not actually delete XCEV records as it is done in Cheshire. Instead, a “DELETE” flag
will be set on the XCEV record.
Data Transformation:

Since the new field will be generated in the Cheshire database, there are no specials rules for data
transformation.
NEW CODE ALL FIELD ADDED FOR CHARGE BUNDLES:
In Cheshire, we collected the following fields which indicated what types of events were added in ST/NS for
the charge bundle:
COST.INCDATES
COST.INCPMS
COST.INCOMS
In WVS, we added one more code for Adding Home Health Events:
COST.INCHHS

5. ROSTER REQUIREMENTS
•

•
•
•

Roster Page that is displayed (if multiple pages)
o Moving forward
 Display 1st page
o Moving backwards
 Display 1st page
o In Roster, adding a new item
 Display Page where Item is added
 Item ADDED should be displayed in specified Display Order.
Display all Roster rows in One Column
Display all Columns in Roster per specification
Display Items (Rows) in Roster per Roster Load specifications
o Display Rows per specifications
o Display Rows in Order that matches specs
 Items should be displayed in specified display order when Roster is displayed moving
forward and backwards.
 If Display Order is not specified, the default is to display roster items in “Order of Entry”,
matching the order item is stored on related database table.
 Items added to be roster should be displayed in display order.
 Person Roster
• Proxy Roster displayed alphabetically. Pending spec update?
• MIP Roster displayed
o SP
o Spouse
o Order of Entry
• Household Roster displayed
o SP
o Proxy
o Order of Entry
 Plan Roster
• Display order of entry.
 Utilization Event Rosters
• Display in Order of Entry
 Condition Roster
• Display Alphabetically
 PM Roster
• Display Alphabetically. Pending spec update?
 Provider Roster
• Order of Entry
 SOP Roster
• By SOP Type
 Statement Event Rosters

• Order of Entry
o Protected Rows.
 Protected Rows should be “grayed out”.
 Display Items as Protected Row per specifications moving forward.
 Do not apply Protected Row specifications to items JUST ADDED.
•

ADD Function
o Enable ADD Function where specified.
o Single Select and Multi Select Item Rosters should both allow more than one item to be added.
However, Single Select Rosters will only allow 1 item to be selected.
o ADD should invoke specified Pop-Up Window.
o Roster Pop-UP
 Pop-Up window display should match specifications
 Pop-Up input fields and routing should match specifications
 Don’t Know and Refuse
• Entered using Right Mouse Button.
• Can also enter DK and RF into input field.
• Design has requested a DON’T KNOW and REFUSE “button” similar to MEPS.
DEFER TO PILOT 2.
 ADD and STAY function
• Add in Pilot 2.
 Roster Edits
• Roster Edits are invoked differently than Specified HARD and SOFT edits.
o WVS does not support SOFT edits in Roster. Need to identify the location
of these and consider redesign.
o Items ADDED should automatically be selected.
o Data collected in Pop-Up should automatically be displayed in Roster when leaving Pop-Up
window.
o Items ADDED should automatically be displayed in DISPLAY ORDER specified.

•

EDIT Function
o Enable EDIT Function where specified.
o EDIT should invoke specified Pop-Up Window.
o Roster Pop-UP
 Pop-Up window display should match specifications
 Pop-Up input fields and routing should match specifications
o Data updated in Pop-Up should automatically be displayed in Roster when leaving Pop-Up
window.

•

DELETE Function
o Not currently specified as an enabled option.
o Default DELETE function will be enabled on all Rosters where ADD is enabled. Will be used
only to delete items JUST ADDED.

•

Selection
o Single Item Select rosters should allow 1 Item to be selected.

•
•

•

 If Multiple Items ADDED, the last item ADDED should be selected.
 Allow Items to be unselected by selecting/adding another item.
o Multiple Item Select rosters should allow multiple items to be selected.
 Allow Items to be unselected.
o If NO SELECTION REQUIRED is specified, allow no selection. Otherwise, always force a
selection.
o PRESELECTED ROWS
 Rows should never appear PRESELECTED moving forward
Paging
o Navigating to a different PAGE in the Roster should not change what has been selected on that
page.
Added But Not Selected
o If you ADD but NOT SELECT an item, a verification screen should appear.
o Should have option to DELETE item ADDED but not selected.
o WVS currently does not support once you leave Roster and return using PREVIOUS PAGE. Do
we expect a system fix to this?
Instance Navigator
o Instance Navigator should be invoked after every Roster specified as a Multi-Item select Roster
followed by Roster Details.
 There may be an exception to this agreed upon by programming and design.
o Instance Navigator should display all Items selected from the Roster in the same display order
specified for the Roster.
o All Items should display a status of NOT STARTED/IN PROGRESS or DONE.
o Should be able to administer Roster Details for Items “out of order”.
o Instance Navigator should only display PREFILLED responses to Roster Details already entered.
 This will occur when an Item is DONE or IN PROGRESS.
 All Items NOT STARTED should not have pre-filled responses.
o Instance Navigator should disallow CONTINUE INTERVIEW until all items are DONE.
o When completing the last item listed in Instance Navigator, the route should return to the
Instance Navigator screen. The interviewer should then be required to select CONTINUE
INTERVIEW to continue to next item on route.
o When using PREVIOUS PAGE after a Roster Detail loop, PREVIOUS PAGE should display the
Instance Navigator screen and allow access to the Roster details.
PREVIOUS PAGE – Currently not supported for Pilot 1.
o When pressing PREVIOUS PAGE from Roster Details, the Roster Function and Display should
match what was just displayed moving forward from Roster:
 Items selected should still be selected and NOT PROTECTED.
 The Roster should still recognize Items JUST ADDED.
• If you unselect an Item that was ADDED earlier, the ADDED BUT NOT
SELECTED confirmation screen should still be invoked.
 If ADD is enabled, should allow items to be added to Roster.
• Items ADDED should be displayed in Instance Navigator moving forward.
• If you ADD a new item and unselect it, the ADDED BUT NOT SELECTED
confirmation screen should be invoked.
 If you unselect an Item, it should not appear in Instance Navigator moving forward.

File Type	application/pdf
File Title	PROVIDER ROSTERS
Author	Ruth Malloy
File Modified	2010-03-30
File Created	2010-03-30