|
|
Georgia Electronic Data Program UPDATE (ICMS)
Author: Jan Dillard | Tuesday September 25, 2007
Deadlines near for changes in system.
Electronic Data Interchange
(EDI) Coming to ICMS
Editor's Note: This is another in a series of updates provided by the State Board of Workers' Compensation on the development of the Integrated Claim Management System.
By Jan Dillard, PhD., ICMS Project Manager
The State Board of Workers' Compensation is pleased to announce that Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) data submission is coming this fall to the ICMS system. EDI allows insurers and self-insurers to transmit large amounts of data electronically to ICMS. We believe EDI will provide a fast, cost-effective method of data transmission for our customers.
Our Current Status
The Board implemented the Integrated Claims Management System (ICMS) in October, 2005. ICMS is an electronic document management system that directs the workflow of claim-related information throughout the organization.
This summer, the Board’s internal users are testing and our vendor partner is finalizing the computer programs that support EDI. While changes are still being made, we are optimistic that we will be able to release these products to our external customers this fall. The Board will be conducting Pilot testing during 4th quarter 2007. If you are interested in being a part of the Pilot testing, we are accepting applications until September 14, 2007.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
ICMS will use Release 3 of the IAIABC’s Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards as a way to enter First Reports of Injury (FROIs) as well as Subsequent Reports of Injury (SROIs). The FROIs include data from the WC-1 forms while the SROIs include data from WC-2, WC-3, and WC-4 forms.
The Board’s objective is to have all FROIs and SROIs submitted electronically within eighteen months after successful completion of the first Pilot. This electronic submission can be either through EDI or individual web submission of documents. At the end of this eighteen month period, no more paper WC-1s, WC-2s, WC-3s, or WC-4s will be accepted by the Board. Electronic filing for all Insurers and Self Insurers will be mandatory by 2nd Quarter 2009.
The Board has begun testing our EDI application with a few select customers. We will deploy the EDI application in three groups. There are limited spaces in each group. SBWC is asking each organization to submit their request for group assignment by November 1st, 2007.
A plan outlining steps to mandatory participation for all licensed insurers and self- insurers is expected to be released by December, 2007.
Use of Consolidators
The Board expects many organizations will want to use EDI software vendors, organizations that can accept data and pass it successfully via EDI transmissions to the Board. Consequently, we expect these vendors to be among the first approved to use EDI at SBWC. We will post on our web site ( HYPERLINK "http://sbwc.ga.gov" http://sbwc.ga.gov ) the vendors that are approved as EDI submitters.
New 2007 Forms
The Board will continue to accept paper forms for some time. It is critical that you use the correct form. The ICMS document management system uses specific data to identify claim data and process the information. The claim information must be submitted on current forms!
New forms were released in July! The correct forms are those identified by “REVISION. 7-2007” at the bottom of the page. You have until October 1st to start using the new forms. After October 1st, all other forms will be returned. To obtain the current version of the form, go to “Forms” on the SBWC web site, HYPERLINK "http://www.sbwc.ga.gov" www.sbwc.ga.gov.
Do Not Alter Forms
The forms are designed to correspond to data to be used in ICMS. Forms which have been altered will also be returned. Do not change the form to include information which is not requested on that form. Be sure to use the correct form and the most current version of the form.
SBWC ID Number
Organizations that submit forms to the Board have an identifying number. For Insurers and Self Insurers it is an “SBWC ID Number”. For Attorneys, it is the Attorney’s Bar Number. Be sure to use your identifying number when communicating with the Board or submitting your forms.
Claims Office Information
Be sure to identify the Insurer that a Claims Office represents. Claims Offices are identified by the Board as representatives of an Insurer or Self-Insurer. The ICMS document management system knows the claims office only in its relationship with the Insurer. You must identify the Insurer as well as the claims office when submitting a WC14, a Mediation or Hearing Request or a Motion.
Multiple Dates of Injury
The ICMS document management system treats each date of injury as a separate claim. Be sure to identify each claim number associated with a date of injury. Do not put multiple dates of injury with only one claim number.
Web Site Updates
We will post information regarding ICMS on our website, HYPERLINK "http://www.sbwc.ga.gov" www.sbwc.ga.gov. Please check this site for updates.
About the author: Dr. Jan Dillard is President of Glenridge Consulting Group, LLC, which specializes in Project Management for Information Technology projects. Glenridge provides project leaders and support personnel to augment existing technology teams.
|
|
