Which option describes the treatment of overlapping HCCs in RAF scoring?

• A. Both weights are added
• B. Weights are averaged
• C. The heavier weight always dominates
• D. Only one weight is counted due to hierarchy

Answer: (D)

Overlapping HCCs in RAF scoring are handled with a hierarchy that prevents double counting. When two or more HCCs relate to the same or a closely connected health issue, the system does not sum their weights. Instead, it assigns a single weight to that cluster—usually the highest-weighted one—to reflect the overall risk. This approach keeps the score accurate and prevents inflating risk by counting related conditions separately. So, only one weight is counted due to hierarchy.