What factors are causing the increased error rates in Ad Hoc's Medicare Plan Finder API integrations this quarter?

Introduction

Increased error rates in Ad Hoc's Medicare Plan Finder API integrations pose a significant challenge to our product's reliability and user experience. To address this issue, I'll employ a systematic approach to identify, validate, and resolve the root cause while considering both immediate fixes and long-term strategic implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might be a recent change in the API. Has there been any update to the Medicare Plan Finder API in the last quarter?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance issues. Expected answer: Yes, there was an update. Impact on approach: If yes, we'll focus on the update's impact; if no, we'll look at other factors.

• Considering user segments, I'm wondering if this is affecting all users equally. Are we seeing higher error rates for specific user groups or plan types?

Why it matters: Helps narrow down if it's a data-specific or user-specific issue. Expected answer: Error rates vary across user segments. Impact on approach: If varied, we'll investigate segment-specific factors; if uniform, we'll look at system-wide issues.

• Thinking about the error definition, has there been any change in how we're measuring or defining these errors recently?

Why it matters: Ensures we're comparing apples to apples in our metrics. Expected answer: No change in error definition or measurement. Impact on approach: If changed, we'll reassess our baseline; if not, we'll focus on actual performance issues.

• Considering external factors, have there been any significant changes to Medicare plans or regulations this quarter that might impact our integrations?

Why it matters: External policy changes can affect our system's ability to handle data. Expected answer: Some minor policy updates, but nothing major. Impact on approach: If major changes, we'll investigate policy impact; if minor, we'll focus more on internal factors.