Updated December 17, 2025
8 min 2 sec estimated read timeBig changes are ahead for trauma centers participating in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs (ACS TQP).
Beginning January 2026, ACS will introduce a direct data submission pathway that modernizes how centers send data to TQIP. Instead of waiting for quarterly deadlines or uploading files through the portal, trauma centers will be able to send patient records continuously – as soon as abstraction is completed.
ESO has worked closely with ACS during this process and already started testing the new workflow inside ESO Patient Registry. Several ESO customers are early testers, and their initial submissions were successful.
This blog highlights:
- What we’ve learned so far about the new process
- What you can expect as ACS finalizes direct data submissions
- What this means for organizations using ESO’s legacy patient registry products
What’s changing with ACS TQIP submissions
Submit data year-round
ACS is shifting away from the traditional quarterly, file-based process toward a model that allows trauma centers to submit data throughout the year. Rather than waiting for a Call for Data window, teams will have the ability to send records directly from their registry software as soon as abstraction is finalized. This eliminates the manual upload step entirely and removes the frantic rushes to meet submission deadlines.
Validate errors immediately
One of the biggest improvements will be validation timing. Under the current model, errors are only identified once the file has been uploaded and processed by ACS. With the new pathway, feedback appears immediately. Plus, any validation errors that trigger are non-punitive. Facilities can correct issues earlier, long before due dates.
Locked data date
Deadlines also change under the new process. Instead of being tied to when you submit your data, deadlines will reflect when ACS locks the data. Rather than a ‘Call for Data window,’ organization will have a ‘Call for Data deadline’ – a single date when all records will be locked for report consideration.
ACS has also confirmed that the new system will accept records from admission years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Big changes are on the horizon for trauma centers participating in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Programs (TQP). Starting in January 2026, a new data submission process will be implemented, making it easier and faster to submit your trauma data.
Table: Current Submissions Process Compared to New Submission Process
| Current ACS Process | New ACS Direct Submission Process |
| Quarterly submissions only | Submit as charts are abstracted |
| Wait for ACS call for data | No waiting, no call for data window |
| Manual file uploads | Automatic submission from ESO Patient Registry |
| Errors found after upload and review | Errors flagged immediately |
| Deadline = date you submit to ACS | Deadline = date data is locked by ACS |
| One admission year at a time | Supports 2024, 2025, and 2026 simultaneously |
| Heavy administrative burden | Streamlined, automated workflow |
ACS continues to release details. All official updates are available on its Direct Data Submission Transition Hub.
How ESO is preparing
Technical requirements and testing
ESO is deeply engaged with ACS as they define the technical requirements and workflow for the new process. Our team has already completed the ESO Patient Registry software enhancements needed to support direct submissions.
We’ve also sent test submissions through ESO Patient Registry to the ACS validation environment. Early results have been positive, and feedback from beta testers continues to shape our final implementation.
Communicating ACS timelines
ACS determines the overall timeline and will announce the start date for the new submission pathway. As ACS releases new instructions or adjusts expectations, ESO will adapt quickly and keep Patient Registry customers informed.
What legacy patient registry users should know
CDM, Lancet, or DI by ESO Users
The new submission process only applies to ESO Patient Registry users. If your organization uses CDM, Lancet, or DI by ESO, your workflow will remain unchanged for 2026. You will continue manually uploading your quarterly TQIP files through the ACS portal, just as you do today. However, ESO will not update legacy registry products to support the new direct data submission pathway, and ACS is aware of this.
Manual uploads through 2026
ACS stated that manual uploads will remain available through 2026, but it has not committed to keeping the manual upload option beyond 2026. As ACS rolls out the new process, ESO will continue representing legacy-registry customers in discussions and decisions.
Want to take advantage of the new process?
If you’re interested in moving to ESO Patient Registry – or simply want to explore what direct submissions could mean for your team – start the conversation. Visit eso.com/patient-upgrade.
