Provider contracts in Abacus rely on several types of reference data to determine how rates are calculated and how services are categorised. This article explains each type of reference data and how to configure it. Your organisation should review and customise these settings to match your local requirements.
Time bands
Time bands define the periods of the day that may attract different rates, for example daytime, evening, or overnight.
Navigate to Payments > Reference Data > Time Bands.
To edit an existing time band, select it and click Edit.
Update the description and abbreviation as needed.
Click Save.
📌Note: Review the default time bands and amend them to match your organisation's rate structures. Remove any that are not needed.
Day categories
Day categories define how days of the week are grouped for rate purposes, for example weekday, weekend, or bank holiday.
Navigate to Payments > Reference Data > Day Categories.
To edit an existing day category, select it and click Edit.
Update the description and abbreviation as needed.
Click Save.
Rate frameworks
Rate frameworks group together the time bands, day categories, and rate structures that apply to a contract.
Navigate to Payments > Reference Data > Rate Frameworks.
To delete an unused rate framework, select it and click Delete.
To create a new one, click New and configure the time bands and day categories.
Click Save.
⚠️Important: Deleting a rate framework that is linked to active contracts will cause issues. Only delete frameworks that are no longer in use.
Service types
Service types define the specific services delivered under a contract, for example Home Care or Day Care.
Navigate to Payments > Reference Data > Service Types.
To delete unused service types, select them and click Delete.
To create a new service type, click New and enter the details.
Click Save.
📌Note: Service types are linked to service groups. If you delete a service type, ensure it is not referenced by any active contracts.
Service groups
Service groups categorise service types into broader groupings, for example Home Care, Day Care, Residential.
Navigate to Payments > Reference Data > Service Groups.
To delete unused service groups, select them and click Delete.
To create a new group, click New and enter the details.
Click Save.
⚠️Important: Do not delete the Home Care and Day Care service groups if they are in use by your organisation.
Visit codes
Visit codes describe the outcome of a home care visit, for example visit successful, service refused, or service user not in. They are agreed between the council and care providers.
Each visit code has the following properties:
The contracts it can be used with.
The period during which it can be used.
A description.
Whether the provider is paid.
Whether the service user is charged.
Maximum payable duration (default 24 hours).
Standard payable duration (overrides the visit duration if set).
📌Note: Visit codes must be created in the live environment before go-live. Your organisation is responsible for maintaining these going forward.
Manually amended indicators
These codes indicate whether visit times were electronically verified or manually entered. They are agreed between the council and care providers.
📌Note: A default set of manually amended indicators is recommended but must be created in the live environment.
Service outcomes
Service outcome codes mirror visit codes and describe the result of service delivery from an outcomes perspective. They should be configured to align with your visit codes.
Verification text
Verification text is the wording displayed to providers when they verify an invoice or payment schedule. Your organisation should work with legal and finance colleagues to agree the appropriate wording.
📌Note: Default verification text is provided as a starting point but must be reviewed and customised for your organisation.