What is one key factor that influences HCC risk scores?

One key factor that influences HCC risk scores is the number and type of documented diagnoses. HCC, or Hierarchical Condition Categories, relies heavily on the documentation of diagnoses to accurately reflect a patient's health status and potential healthcare costs. Each specific diagnosis is associated with a predetermined risk adjustment factor that contributes to the overall risk score.

The risk score is a reflection of the complexity and severity of a patient's condition, which is why thorough and accurate documentation is crucial. The more comprehensive the recorded diagnoses are—especially those that indicate chronic, severe, or long-term conditions—the higher the risk score can potentially be. This, in turn, impacts funding and resource allocation for care, highlighting the importance of comprehensive and precise documentation in the HCC model.