Data Manager Guidance
Advances in Quality Outcomes: A Data Managers Meeting
AQO 2026 will offer a unique opportunity to explore techniques for optimizing data collection using case scenarios and driving quality improvement. The premier gathering of STS National Database professionals will take place Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 in New Orleans, where attendees will share valuable research and important clinical findings with hundreds of peers. Details coming soon!
Regional Groups
STS National Database regional groups offer a collaborative networking environment for peer-to-peer support and non-clinical guidance related to data abstraction. Learn more.
STS National Database News
This monthly e-newsletter offers news and updates about the STS National Database. STS data managers and surgeon participants receive a free subscription, which includes updates for each registry in which they participate. Do you have colleagues who should be receiving STS National Database News? Or would you like to receive a copy? Fill out this form to be added to the mailing list for future issues.
Clinical Question Request Form
Are you struggling with a clinical question regarding data abstraction? Fill out the Clinical Question Request Form and get a response within 30 days.
Contact and Support
STS is available to help you with questions regarding the STS National Database.
If you have specific questions regarding the platform or participant reports, contact the STS National Database helpdesk. You will receive a helpdesk ticket, and STS will aim to follow up with you within 2 business days. Note: Heavy call and email volumes are anticipated as harvest deadlines approach. We appreciate your patience.
For general questions (like invoicing, updating contacts, or harvest schedules), contact the STS National Database staff team. For public reporting questions, contact STS Public Reporting.
Essential Forms and Resources
- Database participant role descriptions
- Database participant and platform roles
- Participant contact form
- Schedule A
- Schedule B
- Database software and vendors
- STS National Database audits (login required)
- List of mortality status fields
- STS/IQVIA uploader instructions
- Minor data requests for quality improvement
- 2026 Data Manager Survey
How-To Videos
STS National Database Updates Webinar: Augmented Automated Abstraction
This webinar will review the expanded automated abstraction framework, participant responsibilities, vendor expectations, and safeguards designed to protect data quality.
November 2 at 3:30 p.m. ET • 2:30 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 880 6758 2076
Adult Cardiac Surgery Database
The ACSD data collection forms and training manual require a participant login. (If you need assistance with your login credentials, contact STS Member services.)
- ACSD 2026 Harvest 2 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2026 Harvest 1 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2025 Harvest 4 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2025 Harvest 3 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2025 Harvest 2 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2025 Harvest 1 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2024 Harvest 4 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2024 Harvest 3 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2024 Harvest 2 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2024 Harvest 1 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2023 Harvest 4 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2023 Harvest 3 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2023 Harvest 2 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2023 Harvest 1 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2022 Harvest 4 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2022 Harvest 3 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2022 Harvest 2 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2022 Harvest 1 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2021 Harvest 4 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2021 Harvest 3 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2021 Harvest 2 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2021 Harvest 1 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2020 Harvest 4 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2020 Harvest 3 Multiplier Table
- ACSD 2020 Harvest 1 Multiplier Table
Note: If you have changed software vendors since you last harvested data to the STS Data Warehouse, or if your 10-digit Hospital NPI number or Hospital Name has changed, complete the Participant Contact Form to make these updates prior to your data submission. Or complete the harvest opt-out form, if necessary.
2026 Harvest
| Term | Harvest Submission Window Close | Opt-Out Date | Includes Procedures Performed Through: | Report Posting | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest 1 | February 20 | February 24 | December 31, 2025 | Spring 2026 | Star Rating |
| Harvest 2 | May 29 | June 2 | March 31, 2026 | Summer 2026 | |
| Harvest 3 | August 28 | September 1 | June 30, 2026 | Fall 2026 | Star Rating |
| Harvest 4 | November 20 | November 24 | September 30, 2026 | Winter 2026/2027 | |
| Analysis for each harvest is based on a 36-month window. | |||||
Data Submission Open is continuous for all harvest terms. Submission Close occurs at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on the date listed.
Harvest Opt-Out closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern on the date listed.
2027 Harvest
| Term | Harvest Submission Window Close | Opt-Out Date | Includes Procedures Performed Through: | Report Posting | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest 1 | February 19 | February 23 | December 31, 2026 | Spring 2027 | Star Rating |
| Harvest 2 | May 21 | May 25 | March 31, 2027 | Summer 2027 | |
| Harvest 3 | August 27 | August 31 | June 30, 2027 | Fall 2027 | Star Rating |
| Harvest 4 | November 19 | November 23 | September 30, 2027 | Winter 2027 | |
| Analysis for each harvest is based on a 36-month window. | |||||
In highly extraordinary circumstances, adult cardiac index operations with rare co-morbidities that fall outside of the current STS risk models for benchmark operations may be performed by STS Database participants. If you believe a case meets exceptional risk criteria and would like it reviewed by the Exceptional Risk Exclusion Committee (EREC), complete this form prior to the date of surgery. STS will contact you or your data manager for specific case information and documentation to determine if the case meets the exclusion requirements. You will be notified of the final decision after the date of surgery. If the case is approved by the EREC as exceptional risk, the complete in-hospital and/or 30-day data including mortality information must still be submitted to the STS National Database, but it will be removed from outcome reporting.
Cases to be considered for exceptional risk include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fourth-time or greater re-operative epicardial or intra-cardiac operations
- Hepatic cirrhosis with known portal hypertension manifested by clear varices or portal ultrasound
- Under active consideration/evaluation for liver or lung transplantation (being considered or listed for kidney transplantation is not an acceptable exclusion)
- Prior cardiac or lung transplantation
- More than one limb amputation (greater than phalanges)
- Prior pneumonectomy
- Implanted permanent mechanical circulatory support device (RVAD, LVAD, TAH)
The criteria for exceptional risk designation will evolve as risk models are modified for new and more frequent high-risk procedures. We expect exceptional risk cases to be rare, highly unusual, and infrequent.
STS will continue requiring Database participants to submit ALL cases to the STS National Database, including cases approved for exceptional risk. The approved exceptional risk cases will be flagged and removed from Database harvest analytics.
If you have questions, contact the STS National Database Team.
ACSD Webinars
ACSD Monthly Webinar
November 4 at 3 p.m. ET • 2 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 839 336 582
International Dial-in Numbers
AQO Hot Topics Webinar
November 9 at 11 a.m. ET • 10 a.m. CT
ACSD Quality Improvement Webinar
November 18 at 3 p.m. ET • 2 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 338 714 200
International Dial-in Numbers
ACSD Monthly Webinar
December 2 at 3 p.m. ET • 2 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 839 336 582
International Dial-in Numbers
ACSD Quality Improvement Webinar
December 16 at 3 p.m. ET • 2 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 338 714 200
International Dial-in Numbers
Not receiving notices about weekly webinars? Add your name to the interest list.
General Thoracic Surgery Database
The GTSD data collection forms and training manual require a participant login. (If you need assistance with your login credentials, contact STS Member services.)
Note: If you have changed software vendors since you last harvested data to the STS Data Warehouse, or if your 10-digit Hospital NPI number or Hospital Name has changed, complete the Participant Contact Form to make these updates prior to your data submission. Or complete the harvest opt-out form, if necessary.
2026 Harvest
| Term | Harvest Submission Window Close | Opt-Out Date | Includes Procedures Performed Through: | Report Posting | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | March 13 | March 17 | December 31, 2025 | Summer 2026 |
|
| Fall 2026 | September 18 | September 22 | June 30, 2026 | Winter 2026 | |
| Analysis for each harvest is based on a 36-month window. | |||||
Data Submission Open is continuous for all harvest terms. Data Submission Close occurs at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on the date listed.
2027 Harvest
| Term | Harvest Submission Window Close | Opt-Out Date | Includes Procedures Performed Through: | Report Posting | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | March 12 | March 16 | December 31, 2026 | Summer 2027 |
|
| Fall 2027 | September 17 | September 21 | June 30, 2027 | Winter 2027 | |
| Analysis for each harvest is based on a 36-month window. | |||||
GTSD Webinars
GTSD Quality Improvement Webinar Series
October 29 at 1 p.m. ET • 12 p.m. CT
This event is canceled.
GTSD New Data Manager Webinar Series
November 4 at 1 p.m. ET • 12 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 771 371 213
International Dial-in Numbers
GTSD Monthly Webinar
November 11 at 2:30 p.m. ET • 1:30 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 771 371 213
International Dial-in Numbers
AQO Hot Topics Webinar
November 19 at 1 p.m. ET • 11 p.m. CT
Not receiving notices about weekly webinars? Add your name to the interest list.
Congenital Heart Surgery Database
The CHSD data collection forms and training manual require a participant login. (If you need assistance with your login credentials, contact STS Member services.)
Note: If you have changed software vendors since you last harvested data to the STS Data Warehouse, or if your 10-digit Hospital NPI number or Hospital Name has changed, complete the Participant Contact Form to make these updates prior to your data submission. Or complete the harvest opt-out form, if necessary.
2026 Harvest
| Term | Harvest Submission Window Close | Opt-Out Date | Includes Procedures Performed Through: | Report Posting | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | March 27 | March 31 | December 31, 2025 | Summer 2026 |
|
| Fall 2026 | October 9 | October 13 | June 30, 2026 | Winter 2026 | |
| Analysis for each harvest is based on a 48-month window. | |||||
Data Submission Open is continuous for all harvest terms. Data Submission Close occurs at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on the date listed.
2027 Harvest
| Term | Harvest Submission Window Close | Opt-Out Date | Includes Procedures Performed Through: | Report Posting | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | April 2 | April 6 | December 31, 2026 | Summer 2027 |
|
| Fall 2026 | October 8 | October 12 | June 30, 2027 | Winter 2027 | |
| Analysis for each harvest is based on a 48-month window. | |||||
CHSD Webinars
AQO Hot Topics Webinar
November 17 at 1 p.m. ET • 12 p.m. CT
CHSD Monthly Webinar
December 1 at 1 p.m. ET • 12 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 394 740 549
International Dial-in Numbers
CHSD Monthly Webinar
January 19 at 1 p.m. ET • 12 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 394 740 549
International Dial-in Numbers
CHSD Monthly Webinar
February 16 at 1 p.m. ET • 12 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 394 740 549
International Dial-in Numbers
Not receiving notices about weekly webinars? Add your name to the interest list.
Intermacs Database
Intermacs Webinars
Intermacs User Group Call
October 28 at 2 p.m. ET • 1 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 877-853-5257 or 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 557 707 151
International Dial-in Numbers
AQO Hot Topics Webinar
November 5 at 2 p.m. ET • 1 p.m. CT
Intermacs Adverse Events Educational Webinar
November 19 at 2 p.m. ET • 1 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 877-853-5257 or 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 557 707 151
International Dial-in Numbers
Intermacs Adverse Events Educational Webinar
December 3 at 2 p.m. ET • 1 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 877-853-5257 or 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 557 707 151
International Dial-in Numbers
Intermacs Adverse Events Educational Webinar
December 10 at 2 p.m. ET • 1 p.m. CT
Call In: 888-475-4499 or 877-853-5257 or 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 557 707 151
International Dial-in Numbers
Not receiving notices about weekly webinars? Add your name to the interest list.
