The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that assessment data and reports can be securely transmitted over broadband lines.
The connection problem between the Medicare Data Communication Network (MDCN) and the providersā Network Address Translation (NAT) has been resolved. There will be instructions for the providers to resolve this connectivity issue posted at www.qtso.com/mdcn.html on or around November 21, 2008.
Currently, CMS has not set a date when the dialup connection will be cut-off, but it will be "in the very near future." Once this cut-off date is implemented, providers can no longer transmit their assessment data via the dialup connection.
Federal regulations require assessment data transmission at least every 30 calendar days. To avoid late transmissions, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) strongly recommends changing your method of transmission to broadband as soon as possible.
You may contact the MDCN Help Desk for technical support at (800) 905-2069. You may also contact CDPH at (916) 324-2362.
Sincerely,
Original Signed by Kathleen Billingsley, R.N.
Kathleen Billingsley, R.N.
Deputy Director