CROWNWeb

CROWNWeb - Coming in 2009!

The Consolidated Renal Operations in a Web Enabled Network (CROWNWeb) project is electronic data-submission software implemented by CMS to improve data consistency, reduce complexity, and provide secured electronic data collection.

The new Conditions for Coverage require that all ESRD facilities submit patient information (events, forms, lab data) to the Networks electronically (instead of on paper.) In February 2009 CROWNWeb will be available to all facilities via an exceptionally secure Internet site. Access will require prior registration, and will include secured HTTP entry, data encryption and decryption, restricted user roles, and audits of all user actions in the system.

In the following months, CMS will continue to share information regarding CROWNWeb, and will be providing the minimum system requirements and information on CROWNWeb training opportunities to those who are interested. This training will be provided with no direct cost to the community.

CROWNWeb Communications Brochure

CROWNWeb Facility Memo
The CROWNWeb document that was sent out in June to all dialysis facilities.

CROWNWeb Updates
Please select the above link for the most current information on CrownWeb. NOTE: Access to the site requires registration. Follow instructions to register. You will receive password via email.

Instructions (once registered):
Log in to the site using user name and password.
Select Teaming Center from the panel on the left.
Select Team Rooms by clicking on the icon on the right.
Do a Search. Type CROWNWeb in the Keywords box.
Select CROWNWeb - Public Documents.
Select Content.

CROWNWeb Training
To find out where and when CROWNWeb facility training will take place, follow the same instructions as CROWNWeb Updates (above) up to selecting Content.
Scroll down and select Facility Training Locations.
Wait for it to load.

CROWNWeb Quick Start Cards (.ZIP)
A series of 12 tri-fold cards outlining the most commonly accessed functionality for each user role in CROWNWeb.

CROWNWeb Form 2728 and 2746 Workflows (.ZIP)
Visual diagrams outlining the procedure required to complete Form 2728 and Form 2746 in CROWNWeb.

Frequently Asked Questions about CROWNWeb
Updated June 23, 2008

User Access to CROWNWeb
Q: Will every single person in my facility need to apply for individual access to CROWNWeb?
A: Only users who will be logging in and/or entering data into CROWNWeb will need to apply for access to CROWNWeb. If a staff member at your facility will not be using CROWNWeb, there is no need to apply for access for that person. CMS requires individual logins for CROWNWeb due to HIPAA regulations and the need to track access to sensitive patient data within the CROWNWeb system.

Cost of CROWNWeb
Q: How much will CROWNWeb cost to purchase?
A: CROWNWeb's is a web-based application that is free of charge. There is no cost to use the program, nor is there a per-seat licensing fee.

CROWNWeb Website
Q: Is the CROWNWeb website going to be run as part of an existing Network's website, or will it be its own site?
A: CROWNWeb's website will be run by CMS, and will be hosted on CMS's own servers. It will be run independent of any existing Network site.

Registration for CROWNWeb
Q: Can I register for CROWNWeb? If not, when will CROWNWeb registration be open?
A: As of right now, registration for CROWNWeb is not open. Although dates can change, we anticipate registration to be open sometime in September or October of this year, well in advance of CROWNWeb's launch.

CROWNWeb Download and Install?
Q: What do I have to download to use CROWNWeb? How do I install it?
A: CROWNWeb is a web-based application, which means there is nothing to download to use it. All that's required is an Internet connection and Internet Explorer. To view and print reports, however, you will need Adobe Reader version 6 or higher.

CROWNWeb's Data Entry and Collection
Q: What information will I be entering in CROWNWeb? How will I enter it?
A: Users will use CROWNWeb to admit patients, add forms, update patient records, and submit information to CMS. This will be done through a series of forms displayed directly in Internet Explorer.

For example, to submit a 2728 form for a new patient a user will:

Create the patient in CROWNWeb using a web form displayed in the browser
Admit the patient into the facility by specifying a facility ID when creating the patient.
Click a link for the 2728 form, which will bring up the form directly in the browser. The user will then complete the form in the browser instead of on paper.

This is just one example of how browser-based forms will be used by the facilities to submit data to CMS.

VA Hospitals and CROWNWeb
Q: Will VA Hospitals be required to use CROWNWeb?
A: No, VA Hospitals will not be required to use CROWNWeb when it is released in February of 2009.

Transplant Facilities and CROWNWeb
Q: Will Transplant Facilities be required to use CROWNWeb?
A: No, Transplant Facilities will not be required to use CROWNWeb when it is released in February of 2009. These facilities will continue to submit their forms to their Network, who will then enter the forms into CROWNWeb on the transplant facility's behalf.

Using CROWNWeb Before February 1, 2009
Q: Can we use CROWNWeb before February 1, 2009?
A: As of right now, we do not anticipate CROWNWeb being available for facilities to use prior to the February 1, 2009 date.

CROWNWeb and Existing EMR Systems
Q: We currently have our own EMR system that we use to enter data, and CROWNWeb is going to create double work for us. Can't we just connect our system to CROWNWeb and submit data that way?
A: CROWNWeb does have a feature called "EDI", which stands for Electronic Data Interface. This feature allows selected facilities to pull data from their existing EMR systems, format it into an XML file specification created by CMS, and then submit that data in bulk into CROWNWeb. However, for the first release of CROWNWeb, only three organizations were chosen by CMS to test the EDI interface. CMS is aware of the desire many facilities have to open up that functionality to any facility that can meet the file specification, but as of today it will still be limited to those three organizations in Version 1 for the purposes of functionality and load-handling testing.

More Information on CROWNWeb
Q: Where can I get more information on CROWNWeb?
A: CMS has published a 4-page informational packet on CROWNWeb, which was sent to each facility in June of 2008. This can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/6ea8gm. As critical information on CROWNWeb is released, CMS will extensively publicize the information and ensure that facilities are notified.

Signatures Still Required on the 2728?
Q: With CROWNWeb, will physicians and patients still be required to sign 2728 forms?
A: While the data on the 2728 will be entered and submitted to CMS online, facilities will still be required to print out a copy of the completed 2728 and have the MD and the patient sign it in blue ink. This is due to Social Security regulations and, until those regulations change, this requirement will still be in effect.

Macintosh Compatibility of CROWNWeb
Q: My facility only uses Macintosh computers. Will CROWNWeb work on a Mac?
A: Testing on non-Windows computers has not been done. It is important to note that CROWNWeb is only designed to work on a Windows machine with an Internet Explorer browser, and that ultimately the facility is responsible for ensuring that there is working access to CROWNWeb in accordance with the Conditions for Coverage.

CROWNWeb Training
Q: When will we be able to take training classes for CROWNWeb?
A: Web-based training is currently scheduled to be available in the 4th quarter of 2008. These training classes will be available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, there will be a number of in-person one-day training courses held in dozens of locations around the United States and Puerto Rico. More information will be available when these dates are finalized.