Low-cost, high-speed Internet access to the FISS for DDE

Cahaba Government Benefit Administrators, LLC has announced that as of December 31, 2008, Cahaba GBA is discontinuing support for WebSphere® Host on Demand (HOD).  Providers using HOD must now contract with an approved connectivity vendor such as VisionShare for connectivity to the Fiscal Intermediary Shared System (FISS) for Direct Data Entry (DDE).

VisionShare is a CMS-approved, Cahaba-endorsed connectivity vendor providing access to Medicare services nationwide. We enable providers to use their existing high-speed Internet connection to access the FISS, and securely transmit Medicare claims and download remits.

Before you sign a long-term contract with a connectivity vendor, consider these questions when evaluating your options:

• What are the total costs? Is pricing metered or flat-rate? Are there monthly invoicing fees or annual membership fees?

VisionShare services are offered at a flat rate.

• Are you required to purchase a third-party TN 3270 emulator? Are there monthly or annual maintenance fees associated with the emulator that you need to factor into the total cost?

VisionShare solutions include the TN 3270 emulator at no cost.

• What connectivity options would your IT department rather support: modems and dial-up, dedicated line, VPN, or high-speed Internet?

VisionShare allows providers to use their low-cost, reliable, existing high-speed Internet connection to quickly access the FISS.

• How many user IDs and passwords are required every time you access the FISS/DDE system? Can your vendor eliminate the need for you to manage an AT&T user ID and password?

VisionShare uses Digital Certificates for credentialing, authentication and encryption, so the only passwords required are those you currently need for direct FISS logins.

At VisionShare, we know Medicare. Our experienced sales and support professionals are ready to help you re-establish access to the FISS. Then, when your organization undergoes anticipated CMS-mandated Medicare contractor transitions next year, we will seamlessly re-connect you to your new Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) without interruption to your Medicare reimbursement process.