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CMS Universe File Validation

Validate Universe Files in Seconds, Not Hours

Stop spending hours manually reviewing ODAG, CDAG, FA, SNPCC, and CPE files. Our automated scrubber runs 1600+ validation rules instantly, catching IDS risk errors and compliance issues before you submit to CMS. New to the category? Start with what a CMS universe scrubber is.

1600+
Validation Rules
5
Protocol Types
100%
Automated
ODAG Compliance Status Dashboard showing 85.4% overall compliance score with timeliness, data quality, and appeals metrics

The Cost of Manual Universe File Validation

Medicare Advantage and Part D health plans face significant risks when submitting universe files to CMS without proper validation.

Without Automation

  • Hours of manual review for each submission cycle
  • Missed validation errors that lead to CMS file rejection
  • IDS findings on the audit record after repeated failed submission attempts
  • Audit findings during CMS program audits
  • No visibility into TPA/PBM data quality trends

With CMS Universe Scrubber

  • Seconds to validate files with 1600+ automated rules
  • Row-by-row validation catches every IDS risk error
  • Prevent violations before submission to CMS
  • Instant evidence packages ready for CMS audits
  • TPA performance tracking to measure data quality trends

How the Universe Scrubber Works

Upload your universe files and receive instant validation results with detailed error reporting

1

Upload Universe Files

Upload ODAG, CDAG, FA, SNPCC, or CPE files directly through the web interface or API integration.

  • Excel (.xlsx) format
  • Bulk upload supported
  • Secure encrypted transfer
2

Automated Validation

The scrubber runs 1600+ validation rules against CMS specifications (42 CFR requirements) for all protocols including ODAG, CDAG, FA, SNPCC, and CPE.

  • Header validation
  • IDS risk error detection
  • Timeliness compliance
3

Instant Results

Receive detailed validation reports with row-by-row error identification and remediation guidance.

  • Error summary dashboard
  • Exportable reports (PDF/Excel)
  • Audit-ready documentation
Validation Impact Summary showing file rejection risk detection and compliance issues across universe files

What the Scrubber Validates

Built for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, with validation rules mapped directly to CMS requirements and CFR citations.

1600+ Validation Rules

Rules across all five protocols (ODAG, CDAG, FA, SNPCC, CPE), including timeliness validation aligned with 42 CFR § 422.568, § 422.572, § 422.629, and § 423.568.

Instant Processing

Validate files in seconds, not hours. Upload and get row-level results immediately, with no manual review pass.

Row-by-Row Analysis

Detailed error identification down to specific rows and fields, making it easy to pinpoint and correct issues quickly.

IDS Risk Detection

Automatically identifies Invalid Data Submission (IDS) risk errors that would result in CMS file rejection and potential penalties.

TPA Performance Tracking

Monitor delegated entity performance over time with trend analysis, error rate tracking, and comparative benchmarking.

Audit-Ready Reports

Generate instant evidence packages with validation summaries, error detail, and compliance documentation for CMS audits.

ODAG Performance Dashboard showing compliance metrics, turnaround times, and status tracking

All CMS Universe Protocols Supported

Validation for every universe file type CMS requires

OD

ODAG

Part C Organization Determinations, Appeals & Grievances

Universe Tables:
  • • OD - Organization Determinations
  • • RECON - Reconsiderations
  • • PYMT_C - Payment Determinations
  • • EFF_C - Effectuations
  • • GRV_C - Grievances
CD

CDAG

Part D Coverage Determinations, Appeals & Grievances

Universe Tables:
  • • CD - Coverage Determinations
  • • CDER - Exception Requests
  • • PYMT_D - Payment Determinations
  • • RD - Redeterminations
  • • EFF_D - Effectuations
  • • GRV_D - Grievances
FA

FA

Part D Formulary & Benefit Administration

Universe Tables:
  • • RCFA - Rejected Claims Formulary
  • • RCT - Rejected Claims Transition
  • • NE - New Enrollees
  • • PDE - Prescription Drug Events (on CMS request)
SNP

SNPCC

Special Needs Plans Care Coordination

Universe Tables:
  • • SNPE - SNP Enrollees
  • • Models of Care (supplemental)
  • • SNPCC Questionnaire
CPE

CPE

Compliance Program Effectiveness

Universe Tables:
  • • COA - Compliance Oversight Activities
CMS Compliance Standards table showing detailed validation results by regulation

Enterprise-Grade Security

Your universe files contain sensitive member data. We take that responsibility seriously.

SOC 2® Type 2 Examination Completed

Independently Audited Security Controls

Sevana Health has completed a SOC 2 Type 2 examination, an independent assessment of whether our security controls operate effectively over time, not just on paper. The examination covers the systems that process, store, and transmit your CMS universe files.

A SOC 2 Type 2 report covers an extended observation period rather than a point in time, giving you evidence that our security practices are consistent across the audit window. The full report is available under NDA on request.

Encrypted in Transit & at Rest

All data encrypted using industry-standard protocols

Access Controls & Monitoring

Role-based access with continuous logging and alerting

Vendor Risk Management

Third-party infrastructure and services independently assessed

Incident Response

Documented procedures for security event detection and response

Part of CMS Audit Readiness

Universe Scrubber sits inside a broader audit-prep workflow

See how universe validation fits with Compliance Work Plan for CAR remediation, Risk Assessment for pre-audit gap analysis, and the 30-day timeline from engagement letter to fieldwork.

See the full solution

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Universe Scrubber differ from manual validation?

Manual validation is time-consuming, error-prone, and requires deep knowledge of CMS specifications. The Universe Scrubber automates this entire process with 1600+ built-in validation rules, providing instant results with row-by-row error identification. What takes hours manually takes seconds with automation.

Which universe file types are supported?

We support all five major CMS universe protocols: ODAG (Organization Determinations, Appeals & Grievances), CDAG (Coverage Determinations, Appeals & Grievances), FA (Formulary Administration), SNPCC (SNP Coordination of Care), and CPE (Compliance Program Effectiveness).

Can I track TPA performance over time?

Yes. The platform tracks TPA performance over time with month-over-month trending, error rate analysis, and comparative benchmarking. You can see whether delegated entities are improving or sliding on data quality.

How quickly can I get validation results?

Validation is instant. Upload a file and get results within seconds: error summaries, row-by-row details, and exportable reports ready for your team or TPAs.

Is my data secure?

Yes. Sevana Health has completed a SOC 2 Type 2 examination, an independent audit confirming our security controls operate effectively over an extended observation period. All files are transmitted via encrypted connections, processed in a secure environment, and stored with enterprise-grade security measures. You can review our security posture at our Trust Center.

What happens if CMS updates their validation rules?

Our team continuously monitors CMS guidance updates (HPMS memos, technical specifications) and updates the validation rules automatically. You always have access to the most current CMS requirements without any action needed on your part.

Can I integrate this with our existing systems?

Yes. API access is available for automated file uploads and validation result retrieval, so the scrubber can plug into your existing workflows and data systems.

Ready to Eliminate Universe File Errors?

See the CMS Universe Scrubber in action and discover how automated validation can save your team time and prevent costly violations.

Join Medicare Advantage and Part D health plans already using Sevana Health to ensure CMS compliance