CMS revamps dialysis data capture with CROWNWebBy Jessica Zigmond / HITS staff writer
Posted: January 22, 2009 - 5:59 am EDT
The CMS said it will begin implementing its consolidated renal operations enabled network—the data collection system known as CROWNWeb—to a small, select group of providers on Feb. 1. CROWNWeb is a secure, Web-based system that captures both clinical and administrative data from dialysis facilities across the country and will replace the paper-based data collection that the CMS currently uses. With the testing environment for the system now completed, providers that represent both small and large dialysis organizations will use CROWNWeb, as well as independent dialysis facilities, according to the CMS.
In an announcement, the CMS said implementing CROWNWeb is the agency’s first step in leveraging the benefits of health information technology for the dialysis population. It is also expected to improve the quality of data the CMS receives about dialysis treatments; help providers focus on providing optimal care; drive innovations and quality improvement-of-care practices; and provide the CMS with more data to develop both a more-refined and responsive end-state renal disease, or ESRD, bundled payment system and ESRD value-based purchasing framework.
The CMS said it will expand implementation of CROWNWeb after it learns more about how the system functions within individual facilities.
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20090122/REG/301229996/1153