Audits

The first audit of the system undertaken in 1999 to verify the approved clinics, assess and ensure the reliability and accuracy of the data system and check adherence to counting rules highlighted that the system was effective and well accepted by the hospital industry.

The second audit [Victorian Ambulatory Classification System (VACS) Clinical Verification and Activity Audit], to investigate VACS outpatient clinic services, was undertaken in 2005. Findings highlighted that overall the system continues to work well. The auditors reported a few minor issues that the Department has since clarified with hospitals. 

The auditors also noted more pertinent issues, such as data accuracy, non compliance with counting rules and definitions for counting and reporting which have since been addressed to improve the value of the VACS reporting and funding system. 

DHS has also commenced distributing VACS schedules to hospitals on a quarterly basis (instead of annually), in response to VACS audit recommendations. 

For more information on reporting requirements and source data definitions for returns collected via the Agency Information Management System for the financial year commencing July 2006 , see the Agency Information Management System (AIMS) 2006 Public Hospital user manual.

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Contact: Nermin Songur (03) 9096 7897 or Teresa Barton (03) 9096 7221