Comparative testing (previously known as parallel testing) is a process organizations may use to evaluate the accuracy of digital HEDIS® measure results by comparing them with traditional HEDIS results for the same measurement year.
Comparative testing was established by NCQA to support the transition from traditional to digital measurement. Based on experience with early implementers and improvements to digital measure specifications and tooling, NCQA no longer requires organizations to complete a formal testing period through IDSS before reporting digital HEDIS results.
Organizations remain responsible for the accuracy of their HEDIS submissions and are encouraged to conduct comparative testing as part of their implementation and validation processes.
Download the full dQM Readiness Reporting Guide and explore answers to the most commonly asked questions below.
What Changed in 2026?
Updated NCQA Policy (March 2026)
NCQA no longer requires organizations to complete a one‑year comparative testing period through the IDSS submission process before using outputs from digital HEDIS measures for health plan reporting.
Organizations may transition to digital HEDIS reporting once they determine—working with vendors and auditors—that their results are accurate and ready for reporting. NCQA will continue to collaborate with plans, vendors and auditors to share guidance and emerging best practices that support successful digital HEDIS implementation.
When Comparative Testing May Be Helpful
Although no longer required by NCQA, organizations may choose to conduct comparative testing to:
- Build confidence in digital measure outputs.
- Understand differences between traditional and digital results.
- Validate data mappings, logic and workflows.
- Support internal decision‑making before or after transitioning to digital reporting.
Organizations that prefer a formal, NCQA‑supported comparative testing process may still elect to participate in comparative testing using IDSS.
Frequently Asked Questions
These featured FAQs address some of the most common questions about comparative testing. A more comprehensive set of FAQs is available in the downloadable dQM Readiness Reporting Guide.
What is comparative testing?
Comparative testing is an optional process where organizations compare digital measure results to traditional methods or prior results to assess consistency, reliability and readiness for reporting.
Is comparative testing required?
No. As of March 2026, NCQA no longer requires organizations to complete a formal comparative testing period through IDSS before using digital HEDIS results for reporting.
Why did NCQA change the name?
The term “parallel testing” may have been interpreted to mean that digital measures must be run on the same timeline as traditional reporting. NCQA would like to clarify that organizations are not required to execute digital measures concurrently with their traditional submissions.
Why is comparative testing now optional?
NCQA collaborated with early implementers and incorporated learnings from real‑world implementation, along with iterative improvements to digital measure specifications and tools. This change provides greater flexibility, preserves the integrity of HEDIS reporting and avoids duplicative work.
What if my organization chooses not to conduct comparative testing?
Organizations may still submit dQMs for HEDIS reporting if they are confident in their results. Organizations assume the associated risk of not conducting comparative testing. The same requirements for traditional HEDIS would apply to dQM submissions for HEDIS reporting.
Where do I submit questions about comparative testing?
We recommend My NCQA for the fastest response to your questions, concerns and comments. The system also lets you track your questions and answers. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours during business days.
- Click on “My Questions” in the menu.
- Select “Ask a Question.”
- From the options provided, choose “PCS.”
- In the Program/Product Type section, select “Digital Content Services.”
