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Data

The Consolidated Renal Operations in a Web-Enabled Network (CROWN) is being implemented to improve the quality of ESRD information, to reduce the inconsistency of ESRD data, to reduce the complexity of ESRD systems, to replace outdated, unsupported technology, and to support electronic data collection at the information source, in a secure, integrated environment.

CMS and the ESRD Networks are working together to build an integrated ESRD information system called Consolidated Renal Operations in a Web-enabled Network (CROWN). CROWN will facilitate the collection and maintenance of information about the Medicare ESRD program, its beneficiaries and the services provided to them. Maintenance of this information by CMS is mandated by legislation and regulation. (See Public Law 95-292, Section (c)(1)(A); 42 CFR [Code of Federal Regulations], Chapter IV, Part 476; and Public Law 92-603, Section 299I.)

CMS expects to modernize the collection and retrieval of ESRD data in a secure, Web-enabled environment. The new capabilities will allow dialysis facilities to enter information electronically and transmit it to the appropriate ESRD Network, and CMS also will be able to send feedback to the Networks and the facilities through the new environment.

CROWN implementation began in June 2002. It includes:

The Vital Information System to Improve Outcomes in Nephrology (VISION), which will support electronic data entry and encrypted transmission of ESRD patient and facility data from dialysis facilities directly to their Networks via a secure, Web-enabled environment called "QualityNet Exchange";

The ESRD Standard Information Management System (SIMS), which supports the business processes of the ESRD Network Organizations and provides communication and data exchange links among the Networks, the facilities, and CMS, via the QualityNet Exchange; and

The Renal Management Information System (REMIS), to replace CMS' existing Renal Beneficiary and Utilization System (REBUS), which determines the Medicare coverage periods for ESRD patients and serves as the primary mechanism to store and access ESRD patient and facility information in the ESRD Program Management and Medical Information System Database. REMIS will include an operational interface to the SIMS Central Repository.

For more information, please visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ESRDQualityImproveInit/06_Data.asp.