NCPT_INSCOPE indicates the total number of in-scope major surgeries for this encounter.

HCUP Surgery Flag Software was used to identify surgical procedures of interest for the NASS. The Surgery Flag Software processes CPT procedure codes and classifies them as narrow, broad, or neither. The NASS focuses on surgeries in the narrow class, or major ambulatory surgeries. The narrowly defined flag (narrow flag) is the most targeted and restrictive surgical identifier, consisting of invasive therapeutic surgical procedures. A "narrow" procedure (1) involves incision, excision, manipulation, or suturing of tissue that penetrates or breaks the skin; (2) typically requires use of an operating room; and (3) requires regional anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation to control pain.

Several additional selection criteria were used to define in-scope major ambulatory surgeries for the NASS. All criteria were applied at the CCS procedure group level.

1. Hospital share. A substantial share of procedures occurs in the hospital outpatient setting.
2. Volume. Relatively high procedure volume is observed in the SASD.
3. Reporting quality. Hospitals are reliably submitting procedure data.

Note that although encounters are limited to those with at least one "in-scope" major ambulatory surgery on the record, the NASS Supplemental File provides information on other ("out-of-scope") procedures performed during these encounters.

See the NASS Introduction document for more information about the definition of "in-scope" surgeries.