In only a few more days, direct dial-up options to the Common Electronic Data Interchange will no longer be available. As of May 1, all providers will be required to use an approved network service vendor for access
Monday, April 25, 2011

ATLANTA — In only a few more days, direct dial-up options to the Common Electronic Data Interchange will no longer be available. As of May 1, all providers will be required to use an approved network service vendor for access to the CEDI gateway.

Security concerns are driving the switch, according to CEDI contractor National Government Services, which announced its decision in September. Fortunately, there is still time for procrastinating providers to make the transition.

"The only thing changing is the way providers connect to the gateway," explained Tara Mondock, group vice president of healthcare for Ivans, Stamford, Conn., one of the CEDI's approved NSVs. "Providers do not have to change submitter IDs or anything like that. It is swapping out how they connect to the gateway."

NSVs provide a variety of connectivity options, according to NGS, and also offer faster and more reliable connections than direct dial-up. The migration will also align CEDI trading partners with CMS direction for connectivity to the DME MACs for online claim status inquiry.

While nobody relishes a government mandate, Mondock contends that eliminating slower legacy technology will likely add up to a net benefit for most providers. A more robust and reliable connection for submitting claims can only increase efficiency.

Since many providers tend to work with multiple vendors, one connection to administer work flow, control the revenue cycle and check claims status adds up to better business. "This gives them the ability to layer on additional automation and integrate that electronic work flow all across one connection," Mondock said.

Since January, officials at Ivans have seen hundreds of suppliers turn to web-based and broadband technology to migrate off the CEDI's dial-up service. Providers are using the opportunity to verify patient eligibility online; access the CSI system to view the status of a claim, more quickly retrieve front-end edit reports and submit claims and retrieve electronic remittance advices electronically.

NGS said that enrollment forms do not need to be completed to make the NSV transition. Once setup is completed, file transmission can begin right away. For providers who haven't switched, however, this week's priority is to decide on an NSV, set up a relationship and quickly establish connectivity to avoid a disruption in service. NGS noted in a recent message that some providers who have not switched might already be getting a busy signal with their dial-up service.

NGS' approved NSVs are listed below, and additional contact information can be found on the CEDI website at www.NGSCEDI.com under "Telecommunications."

The National Government Services CEDI Help Desk can be reached via email at ngs.cedihelpdesk@wellpoint.com or phone at 866/311-9184.