About VisionShare and Secure Exchange Site
1. Who is VisionShare?
A: Founded in 2000, VisionShare is a leading supplier of secure connectivity software and services to the healthcare industry. Over 2,300 hospitals and more than 5,600 facilities in 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam use VisionShare Secure Exchange Software and managed services in order to ensure security, mitigate risk, reduce liability, and significantly decrease management costs associated with delivering confidential and proprietary information over the Internet and across networks. With hundreds of thousands of transactions processed with our Secure Exchange Software every day, we are one of the leading experts in safeguarding the sharing of business-sensitive information.
2. What is VisionShare Secure Exchange Site?
A: Secure Exchange Site is a cost-effective, easy-to-use Web-based solution for Part B providers who want to benefit from the convenience and speed of electronic claims processing without the need to purchase or maintain special hardware or software. Secure Exchange Site helps simplify and streamline the process for transmitting Part B NGS Medicare, Empire BCBS and QuickLinkSM claims and remits.
3. What services are included?
A: Secure Exchange Site provides the ability to:
4. Can I use Secure Exchange Site to send commercial claims?
A: Yes. In addition to NGS Medicare, Secure Exchange Site supports claims submission to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and commercial claims to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield QuickLinkSM. If you are currently sending claims via QuicklinkSM to Empire, you may continue to send them through Secure Exchange Site. The list of payer supported by Quicklink is available at http://www.empiremedicare.com/omnipro/neic.htm.
5. What is the difference between sending claims using dial-up and sending claims using Secure Exchange Site?
A: Dial-up connectivity to Medicare uses a phone line, which may take a while to establish a connection, and then is slow to transmit information. In contrast, Secure Exchange Site utilizes your existing high-speed Internet connection for fast transmissions. Dial-up is also subject to dropped connections, resulting in failed downloads. An Internet connection virtually eliminates dropped connections and the need to re-transmit files.
Another difference is that dial-up requires special software to establish a connection; network and EDI logon ID’s for authentication; and user maintenance of IDS and software releases. Secure Exchange Site is browser accessible, and we handle the authentication using a Digital Certificate.
6. Is VisionShare a clearinghouse?
A. No. VisionShare is a secure connectivity solution that allows providers to use their existing high-speed Internet connection to securely send claims and receive remits and reports. We do not translate files into required EDI formats nor do we edit claims files before forwarding them to a payer.
7. When do you send my claims to the payer and when do I get my reports?
A. We send your claim file to the payer immediately after you click to upload it to Secure Exchange Site. We do not combine it with any other claim files before sending it. We pick up files when they are available from the payer and make them available to you when you click to receive files.
8. Can I send and receive claims using an FTP system that can be programmed (script files, batch files, command line options or direct FTP programming)?
A: No, not with Secure Exchange Site. It's a non-programmable Web interface.
Secure Claims Transmission Using a Digital Certificate
9. How can I be sure that the information I’m transmitting through Secure Exchange Site is secure?
A: Secure Exchange Site uses the same CMS-approved secure connectivity software that VisionShare has installed in over 2,300 hospitals and more than 5,600 healthcare facilities. Users are authenticated and all data is encrypted using our industry-leading Digital Certificate architecture. Secure Exchange Site is hosted in our secure data facility, protected by multiple layers of security mechanisms, and uses the same CMS-approved, HIPAA compliant and CORE certified infrastructure and practices as our desktop and enterprise solutions.
10. What is a Digital Certificate?
A: A Digital Certificate is a small, encrypted file on your PC that is used to uniquely identify you. A Digital Certificate replaces the need to use a username and password when you login, making secure access to systems much simpler.
11. Why is a Digital Certificate more secure than other solutions?
A: A Digital Certificate uniquely identifies each organization so that only authorized users are granted access to healthcare information. Only users that have been granted access to the system can use it.
12. Can I install the Digital Certificate on more than one computer?
A. No, an individual Digital Certificate may only be installed on one computer at a time. To support multiple computers, you will need to purchase multiple digital certificates (one for each).
13. How long does it take to obtain a Digital Certificate?
A: It typically takes 3 – 5 days to obtain a Digital Certificate and the password needed to install it. The Digital Certificate is sent as an attachment in an e-mail, but for security reasons the password is sent separately by U.S. mail.
14. I work for a billing company with many providers. Would I have to obtain a Digital Certificate for each entity that we bill for?
A: Secure Exchange Site supports multiple providers from a single Digital Certificate. Send us an e-mail at support@visionshareinc.com for more information.
15. What happens if the computer I’m using dies, or we upgrade our computers?
A: Contact us, and VisionShare staff will assist you in replacing or moving the Digital Certificate to a new workstation as needed.
Secure Exchange Site Support
16. What type of support will you provide if I have problems?
A: We provide phone-based technical support for your questions regarding use of Secure Exchange Site and to resolve any file transfer problems to your respective payers. You can contact our support team during regular business hours of 7:00 a.m. CST to 6:00 p.m. CST at 612-460-4387. Claim-specific questions (such as why a particular claim was rejected, only partially paid, or the like) need to be directed to the claim’s payer.
General Subscription Information
17. Is the enrollment a month-to-month commitment or do I have to sign up for a certain time?
A: Enrollment is month-to-month; there is no long-term commitment.
18. Do I need any special hardware or software?
A: No, all you need is a compatible Internet browser (Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 6 or 7), which most computers already have installed.
19. Can you send me a trial version to evaluate before purchase?
A: No, Secure Exchange Site does not support a trial mode at this time. And, aside from the Digital Certificate, there's no software to send. We encourage you to sign up for a free Webinar demo to see how the Site works.
20. What information will I need to subscribe?
A:
21. What do I need to do to get up and running on your service?
A. There are two ways to subscribe to the Secure Exchange Site portal from the Subscribe page. You can click on the SUBSCRIBE ONLINE button to complete the subscription and enrollment process yourself, following our step-by-step online guide. Or, click the SUBSCIBE BY FAX button, then print and complete a form. Fax the form to us, and we’ll call you to complete the process.
22. What if I need to cancel my service?
A: Should you need to cancel, you may do so at any time after your initial month. To process a cancellation, we require a 60-day written notice prior to the end of the current term (month). This notice may be provided by e-mail to VisionShare to support@visionshareinc.com.
The NGS/Empire EDI Migration and Secure Exchange Site
23. What is NGS’ relationship with VisionShare?
A: VisionShare is a CMS- and NGS/Empire-approved Network Service Provider for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transmissions.
24. What is the EDI migration?
A: National Government Services will be migrating from its current EDI Gateway located in Staten Island, New York, to a consolidated data center located in Shelbyville, Kentucky. This migration will affect all Medicare Part A providers in New York, Connecticut and Delaware, and New York Part B providers.
25. Why is National Government Services doing this EDI migration?
A: The purpose of the data center migration to Shelbyville is to create efficiencies in the EDI operations. Standardizing the data center will enable National Government Services to process Medicare electronic transactions in a uniform manner and provide a greater level of service to providers.
26. Who will be affected by this migration?
A: Any Medicare provider or electronic trading partner who conducts business with National Government Services electronically will be affected by this migration. This includes sending claims electronically, receiving electronic remittance advice (ERA), eligibility verifications, etc. If you utilize the services of a billing service or clearinghouse, they will also be affected by this migration.
27. What is the timeline for the migration?
A: The migration of providers and electronic trading partners from the current EDI Gateway to the new M2 Gateway in the Shelbyville Data Center began in October 2007. A firm cut-off date has not been announced.
28. How can VisionShare help Part B providers with the NGS M2 migration?
VisionShare has developed an easy-to-use Web portal called Secure Exchange Site. Part B providers in New York can use Secure Exchange Site to simplify and streamline the process for sending Medicare, Empire BCBS and QuickLinkSM claims, in addition to receiving reports and remits. It is very similar to how e-Link was before the M2 migration for Medicare.
29. Do I need to get a submitter ID? / Will my EDI login be used?
A: If you currently use an EDI login, you will not use it with Secure Exchange Site. We associate your provider ID number(s) with our submitter ID. VisionShare will provide a form that needs to be completed and sent to your payers so they know that your provider ID(s) (NPI) will be associated with VisionShare. Once you’re signed up with us, we use our login credentials to send claims and retrieve remits for you.
30. What types of files will I receive once I send in my claims?
A. You will receive all the files available from NGS Medicare and Empire BCBS including the TA1, 997, MCS Edit and the 835 remit files. A complete list of these files and descriptions will be available on VisionShare Secure Exchange Site.
31. Do I have to make any modifications to my software to incorporate the new M2 Submitter ID I received in the mail from Empire Medicare?
A: No. You will not need your new M2 submitter ID with Secure Exchange Site. We associate your provider ID number(s) with our submitter ID. There is an authorization form that needs to be completed and sent to Empire Medicare and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield so they know that your provider ID(s) (NPI) will be associated with VisionShare. VisionShare will manage this for you once you subscribe to the service.
32. Am I required to change my M2 password?
A: No. The VisionShare Secure Exchange Site automatically handles the password rolling requirements for the M2 server.
33. Do I need BlueZone software installed?
A: No, our solution does not require BlueZone software. In fact, we don’t require any special software at all. All you need is a compatible Internet browser (Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 6 or 7), which most computers already have installed.
34. Can I submit claims to GHI?
A: QuickLinkSM supports claim submission to GHI HMO Select. However, GHI also administers Medicare Part B for Queens County and that is not supported via Secure Exchange Site.
35. If I decide to cancel my enrollment with VisionShare will I need to notify NGS Medicare or Empire BCBS?
A. Yes. If you plan to use another method of submitting electronic claims, you will need to either establish your own submitter ID with the payer or request the payer add you to a different Submitter ID. You will no longer be able to use the VisionShare Submitter ID. The alternate service provider can direct you in this matter.
Pricing and Billing for Secure Exchange Site
36. Other connectivity vendors charge per transaction or have metered fees. How does your subscription pricing work?
A: When you subscribe to Secure Exchange Site, your credit card or bank will be automatically charged the same fee every month to access the account. There are no “gateway” fees, or any other surprise charges. With our approach, you can use the Site as much, and as often as you need – at any time of the day – for the same flat fee every month.
37. We only submit a few claims per month/week. Would Secure Exchange Site be a cost-effective alternative to paper forms?
A: Yes, even providers with only a handful of claims typically enjoy a positive return-on-investment after fully accounting for transactional costs (such as postage), operational efficiencies (due to automation) and reduced time to payment (resulting from faster submission). Finally, consider the value of fewer hassles and exceptional customer support when you need it – on balance, this is a small price to pay.
38. What is the cost for subscribing to Secure Exchange Site?
A: The price is a flat rate of $29.95 per user per month for the basic package, which includes Medicare claims and remits, Empire BlueCross BlueShield claims and remits, and QuickLinkSM claims. There are no setup or usage fees. With our approach, you can use the Site as much, and as often as you need – at any time of the day or night – for the same flat fee every month. A user is defined as one worker, assigned his or her own Digital Certificate, installed on one computer.
39. Is the flat monthly rate per NPI, for example, or something else?
A: The flat rate per month is per workstation (i.e., per Digital Certificate installed on one computer) and includes the entire package of bundled services. We anticipate that most providers send and receive claim files from a single computer and therefore will need only one Digital Certificate. Claims for multiple NPI’s can be sent from the single computer. Multiple Digital Certificates with access to the same Provider account may be purchased at the $29.95 per package price.
40. How do you bill for the service?
A. When you subscribe to Secure Exchange Site, your credit card or bank will be automatically charged the same flat fee every month to access the account. We accept most major credit cards and electronic transactions from checking accounts
41. What payment types are accepted for the monthly service fee?
A: We accept most major credit cards.
42. How many users or computers are included in the flat fee?
A: The monthly fee is per workstation. A workstation is defined as a single computer, which is accessed by an individual login. A Digital Certificate would need to be installed on each workstation from which you’d like to access Secure Exchange Site.
Creating Claims / Practice Management Software Information
43. Does your solution create claim files?
A: No, you use Secure Exchange Site to quickly and securely send the claim files you create in your practice management system or using PC-ACE Pro 32. Secure Exchange Site is a great complement to your existing practice management system.
44. What if I don’t have software to create a claim file?
A. If you do not have software to create a claim file, NGS Medicare offers free software called PC-ACE Pro 32, which you can use to create the claim files that you will then send to Empire Medicare or Empire Blue Cross using the Secure Exchange Site. See:
http://www.empiremedicare.com/partb/pcace/support_softwareformb.htm.
45. Does your software work with PC-ACE Pro 32?
A: Yes; claims created in PC-ACE are supported. After you sign up we will provide you with simple instructions to launch the Secure Exchange Site portal from PC-ACE
46. Will Secure Exchange Site work with my practice management system software?
A .Yes, if you were using e-Link before, it will work fine with Secure Exchange Site. The process is quite similar. You locate the claims file created by your software and upload it to Secure Exchange Site. Similarly, for receiving reports or remits, the files are delivered to you on the Site and you download them to your computer for further handling.
47. Does my software vendor know about VisionShare?
A. We are working with many software vendors who are quite impressed with how Secure Exchange Site eliminates almost all of the complexities of the current dial-up environment. We encourage providers to contact their software vendors to verify that VisionShare is the preferred high-speed Internet alternative to dial-up. If you prefer, contact VisionShare at 612-460-4387 and give us your vendor’s contact information. We will make sure they are comfortable that the service is fully operational with their software.