Data is the bedrock of ACATS. High-quality data informs high-quality decisions from the surgeon’s office to zone leadership. We have developed a variety of resources to help you understand the data, from input to interpretation. You will find information and resources on Ready to Treat, ACATS code update process and how we maintain quality and transparency in our data.
The ACATS code book is the foundation for data generation and analysis.
Disclaimer: The ACATs codes have been developed to help surgeons, booking office staff and operational leadership understand the prioritization of wait times for surgical patients based on disease progression, pain and functional impairment. Data collected using ACATS codes are used to measure, manage and report surgical wait times. These codes are not intended to be relied on as a standard of care or to inform the standard of care.
The code review cycle ensures that the code sets are accurate, up-to-date and evolve over time. Surgeons are encouraged to submit ACATS code suggestions every cycle which support:
If you have any questions or feedback, contact your ACATS Lead or contact us.
Ready to Treat is the start date for measuring wait times. It is the date the patient is medically, socially and functionally ready. Understanding this data element is important to ensuring a high-quality data system to measure, monitor and manage wait times in Alberta. We have developed a few resources to help you understand Ready to Treat and use it effectively.
