Overview

Although the source data that we use to create our metrics is comprehensive, sometimes there is no data to calculate a metric for some columns. The image below shows some non-data examples. 

Hyphen, “-“

A hyphen is a null - it means that no metric was calculated for the cell. In this case, there was no source data available to generate a metric. From the image above, we can conclude that the first four providers (rows) didn't submit any Medicare claims.

Zero (0)

Zero is used when a metric is calculated and the count is zero or the percent is zero %. 

It is important to distinguish between "-" and 0. If a table cell contains "-" this means that we did not calculate the metric. A zero is the result of a calculation that returned a result of zero or zero percent -  0%.

Why don't the percentages add up?

If you look at the image below, you will notice that the payer mix in the box doesn't add up to 100%

The four payer types that are included in our metrics represent the vast majority of claims. However, there is an "other" catch all category that we don't show. The payers in this "other" category include unknown payers, worker's compensation, state payments, cash, union payments, and others.