Level I and II CY2024 Readiness Cost Survey FAQ

  • Who will be the primary point of contact for questions following the webinar?

    Direct questions to [email protected] questions will be compiled on this document and reviewed on the open forum Q&A virtual session on April 11, 2025

  • How will the GTC use the survey results?

    The GTC will use the survey results to assess and highlight the costs associated with trauma center readiness across the state. These results will help identify gaps in funding and areas where trauma centers need more support. By analyzing the data, the GTC can advocate for increased funding from the legislature, demonstrating the value of trauma centers in improving patient outcomes and saving lives. Additionally, the survey results will help trauma centers benchmark their performance, justify resource allocation, and make data-driven decisions for improving care quality. Ultimately, the GTC will use this information to strengthen the trauma care system and ensure its sustainability.

  • How do we obtain a signature on an excel file?

    The signature page should be printed, signed, and sent separately, along with the Excel file.   

  • Where should I submit my completed survey?

    Send completed assessment (Excel), signed signature page(PDF), and Organization Chart (PDF)* via "Warren Averett Connect." Each center will receive its own individual link for submission. Please do not send your data to the Georgia Trauma Commission.   

  • How is access to Warren Averett Connect assigned?

    The facility can send the name and email for Warren Averett Connect access to Jessica Story, [email protected]

  • What year should the trauma center use to complete the tool?

    Calendar year 2024 costs associated with items on the tool should be used. 

  • What is the deadline for trauma centers to submit the survey?

    All centers are required to return the completed survey by Friday, September 30, 2025   

  • Do you want us to attach a CY2024 Org Chart or the current Org Chart?

    The CY2024 Org Chart should be used.  It will be used to validate information reported in the tool. 

  • Some questions have various options for calculating the cost. Should we note which calculation method was used?

    Yes, if there is a calculation method, column O is available for centers to indicate which calculation method was used.

  • Is there a resource hub for updates?

    The resource hub is available on the Georgia Trauma Commission website: https://trauma.georgia.gov/level-i-and-ii-readiness-cost-survey. We will also email any updates to the facility’s TPM, TMD, and Senior Executive. 

  • Should we keep track of how we calculated the cost?

    Yes, Warren Averett may audit your survey to validate costs. The survey has a notes section if needed. Please be keep track of any supporting documentation used to calculate costs

  • Should we include ACS TQIP (Trauma Quality Improvement Program) costs?

    Yes, TQIP costs should be reported on row number 32, Participation in Risk-Adjusted Benchmarking Programs (TQIP).

  • How should costs related to pediatric readiness be captured?

    Include if the facility has incurred costs, such as pediatric-specific equipment, to improve pediatric readiness gaps. 

  • Where should SBIRT and mental health screening costs be captured?

    These costs should be listed under Staff Providers, line 126. 

  • Do we have anything to account for APP's or SW hired to do the SBIRT/PTSD screening, etc?

    These costs are listed under Staff Providers, line 126. 

  • Do we have a spot to account for peds-specific requirements - child abuse physician and Child Life?

    Child Life Administrator is listed on line 31, and Child Abuse Physician is listed on line 109

  • Can you please clarify the difference between PM and night? (OR Costs)

    The terms “PM” and “night” are flexible and can be defined by each facility. The intent is to identify if additional costs are associated with specific shifts (e.g. 8, 10, or 12 hours)

  • Can we use the CY2016 calculation cost for medical staff, "if you employ your physicians, determine net cost (salary + benefits – pro fee reimbursement) and estimate portion attributable to trauma"?

    05/06/25 Survey Update: A new calculation option, D, has been added 

    "If you employ your physicians, determine net cost (salary + benefits - professional fee reimbursement) and estimate the portion attributable to trauma."

    The previous option D (AAMC database) is now Option E.

  • For Survey item # 31, Child Life Program Administrator, is GTC looking for Child Life Leadership (aka Program Administrator) time dedicated to Trauma Patients or the time Child Life Specialist spend with our Trauma Patients?

    The line item is specifically for the percent of time on administrative duties related to the Child Life Program, per Standard 2.14. 

    05/06/25 Survey Update: A new line, 129,  item will be added to include child life specialists and related program costs using a facility multiplier

  • Should costs be prorated or actual if there is a vacancy within the year?

    Use actual costs, not prorated.

  • Line 50, Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment, can ECMO costs be included?

    Yes, it is reasonable as long as it is not already accounted for elsewhere (no double-dipping). 

  • Lines, 45-50 (Facilities, Equipment, & Resources), How do we calculate reimbursement per department?

    Suggestions for calculating:

    • Pull itemized bills and determine average reimbursement for a sample set of patients
    • Work with finance and payer source analysis
    • Document methodology and assumptions clearly
    • Proposed methodology (from Attendee): We get reimbursed by DRG (lump-sum) for Inpatients, find the overall collection rate for Trauma patients, and allocate an estimated reimbursement based on the charges. 
  • Line 45: Operating Room for Orthopaedic Trauma Care, should weekend anesthesia costs be included?

    Yes, if required for continuous service.

  • Line 26, Research Support, should we deduct grant support?

    Yes, subtract grant-funded amounts.

  • If the ACS does not require a specific service at a given trauma center level, should the facility still report the associated costs if it provides that service?

    Only the required costs for your level should be reported to avoid skewing totals. Non-required, facility-level costs may be noted in the survey’s notes section, as understanding these additional expenses can still be helpful.