CMS plans to select a small group of dialysis providers across the country – both large and small dialysis organizations, as well as independent facilities to enter Phase I of CROWNWeb on February 1, 2009. 

CMS has selected a handful of Networks across the country to help make the first phase of the CROWNWeb launch a success. 

The following Networks will be a part of the phase I rollout to begin on February 1, 2009:

• Network 3, also known as Trans-Atlantic Renal Council, serving the state of New Jersey and the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands;
• Network 8, also known as Network 8 Inc., serving the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee;
• Network 12, also known as the Heartland Kidney Network, serving the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska; and
• Network 16, also known as the Northwest Renal Network, serving the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

CMS is working with these Networks to help identify facilities for the phase I rollout of the system, as well as to gather feedback from facilities and Networks about the system, which will help inform future CROWNWeb releases.

Network 6 Facilities

• You will phased in at a later date
• Continue with your normal business operations and reporting requirements as usual, including VISION and/or paper-based data (form and report) submissions.
• If you are holding any forms or if we returned forms to you in anticipation of CROWN, please send those to us as soon as possible.
• Per CMS, you will continue to meet the ESRD conditions for coverage by continuing to use these submission methods.
• Continue to send us your QIPS registration (CROWNWeb User IDs/Password)

• Continue to send your corporate office your Batch / Delegation of Authority (only applies to FMC, DaVita and DCI facilities)

The Southeastern Kidney Council / Network 6 will to communicate additional information as it becomes available.  Check out our website, www.esrdnetwork6.org.  You may also call the CROWNWeb Help Desk at 888-ESRD-HD1 or email ESRDHD1@esrd.net.

Posted 01.27.09