FAQ

At Professional Data Management Group, Inc., we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 508-949-2985 or rjolda@pdmg.com.

[Electronic Records Express]
[QUESTION] What is Electronic Records Express??
[ANSWER] The Social Security Administration Maintains the Electronic Records Express Web site as a secure means of  exchanging information with registered CE providers.   CE Providers can download CE packets which contain the client demographics, scheduling and medical information..   The CE provider can then upload and electronically sign their  CE report .  There is no cost for CE providers to use the SSA ERE Web Site .   The site is accessed via a web browser that has Javascript enabled.  

[[QUESTION] What are the potential problems with the SSA ERE Web site?
[ANSWER]  The SSA ERE Web site is straightforward. However, to retrieve your client information, you have to go through multiple screens with lots of clicking and then you have to either save the downloaded files or print them out.

 [QUESTION] What is the benefit of ERE Bridge to the CE Provider?
[ANSWER] Because the ERE web site requires so much user intervention ( and clicking)our ERE Bridge Software / Service does all of this for you.  We pull down all of your information and re-package it for you for easy use.  We build your schedule and have your information ready at your fingertips.  Your information is electronic but you could print it out if you wish.  This saves lots of time for the provider and office staff.

[QUESTION] Why does PDMG, Inc. charge for their ERE Bridge Service?
[ANSWER] PDMG, Inc. has invested considerable time and resources into developing software and services that save you time and money and allow you to do your job faster and with less headaches.  The time and money that the CE provider saves outweighs the cost of our ERE Software or Service for most users.

[QUESTION] Can PDMG, Inc. create automatic solutions to my individual needs?
[ANSWER] We at PDMG will strive to create automatic solutions to any problems as long as they serve the interests of a group of users -e.g. for needs of a specific state.  Individual customizations can be done for additional costs.

[QUESTION] How can PDMG, Inc. do this as a SERVICE for me?
[ANSWER] PDMG, Inc. can be your agent ( proxy secretary ) -  this is allowed and HIPAA  makes  provisions for this under their Trading Partners Agreements.   You still have full access to your ERE express account. SSA gives us a portal into your account and this allows us to automate your processes for you.

[QUESTION] Can I purchase this as  my personal Software?

[ANSWER]  Because the SSA ERE web site has stabilized and makes less frequent changes, we can now release the Software as a Subscription to Individual Providers.  It is a monthly subscription because we still have to change our software when SSA ERE makes changes to the web site.  The monthly Subscription fee allows us to give these changes to all of our registered users.

[QUESTION] I use a transcription service - how does this work with ERE Bridge?

[ANSWER]  Yes, If you are a Group using the ERE Bridge Service, you can upload them to our secure server and they will be submitted to the ERE web site.  If you are an Individual Provider using the Software Subscription Service, you simply link the report to the Scheduled patient and then you can use the software to upload them to the SSA ERE web site.

[QUESTION] I want to generate my own reports - can I do that?

[ANSWER] Yes, you can create your own reports with any word processor or software that you like.   Also, you can use our ”Click” CE Report  Generator to generate your notes.   ”Click” CE Report  Generator  is set up with templates for Med or Psych CEs  and is point and click and can be run on any Windows PC. It will also run on a Windows partition on a MAC.  The templates speed up the process of generating your reports.

[Question] Will I still be able to get access to my ERE Web pages if I use PDMG ERE Service?

[Answer] Yes, you will retain  full access and control of your ERE Express account and activity.  We do not add accounts or change accounts or modify accounts.  We simply access the account that you have set up with SSA and capture the information for you and re-package and move the information to your computer.

[Question] We have multiple providers in our group.  Can you customize the service to suit our needs?

[Answer]  Yes, we can customize the service according to the needs of your group. 

[Question] How does the Individual Provider Subscription Service Software WorK?

[Answer] You would install the software onto your PC.  Your PC would connect to our secure PC to check for updates.  You would use the Software on your PC to connect to your individual SSA ERE account and process your downloads an uploads.  You could put this on a Laptop PC and take it with you when you see your patients and have instant access to the CE information package.   You would also be able to use the “Click” CE Report Generator to make your CE reports - either at the time of encounter or after the encounter.

[Question]  What Operating System and Hardware do I need?

[Answer] Our software runs on any Windows operating system.  If you have a MAC, you need a Windows partition such as Boot Camp or Paralells running Windows in order to run our software.   

[Question] Will your ERE Connect Service Run on my Mobile  Device?

[Answer] If you are using the Group Service, you can connect to View the client CE packet on your mobile device  if you have an internet connection.  Also, you can download the CE packet and put it on your mobile device - they are PDF Files.  Individual Providers can put the CE packets on their mobile device for use any time.

[Question]  I want to use a small device and use ERE Connect Service and ”Click” CE REPORT Generator.  I use multiple offices.  What is a potential solution for me?

[Answer]  You can use any notebook computer or Tablet PC.   If you have internet connectivity at your sites, you can use that connectivity and connect either through a network cable or wirelessly to the local wireless network.   If there is no internet connectivity at your sites, you can use a Wireless Phone Modem card and you will get good performance in most locations.   I have a Verizon wireless modem card for my tablet PC and the cost is about $60.00 per month - I have more monthly data capability per month than I will ever use.  Using this, I can be connected to “Click” Report Generator all day and do my CE reports.    

[Question] I am not a typist -do I need to type?

[Answer] No, you do not have to type - but, if you want to add personalization and flavor to your CE reports, you will want to add additional text.  Most of the work is done with templates and they are Point and click - Dragon Dictate Home Version 11 is very good and can be used to enter free text.

[Question]  If I use PDMG P/ACT notes, can I attach pictures to my reports?

[Answer] 

[Question] Sometimes the client gives me additional information that I wish to send with my report - how do I do this?

[Answer] With PDMG ERE Bridge  Service we give you a program that you can use to scan your reports and directly create a pdf file.  You would link this file to your report and it would be sent along with your report to the ERE Web site.

[Question] I am concerned about standardized data and reports created with a template.

[Answer] We share your concerns.  I have seen thousands of reports generated with templates -unfortunately, most of the information generated is standardized filler information - and the really useful information is  buried somewhere.  We look at this issue a little differently.  If we want to develop a set  of metrics that can be used across the population we have to begin to standardize our data.  Additionally, as CE providers, it is our job to modify the templates to make sure that we provide the best and most accurate data for each claimant.  That has been our focus.  I have had many reviewers tell me that they love my reports because all of the information is in a standard format and very easy to find.  Furthermore, they also look for the free text comments that I add because they often provide additional insight. 

Factoid ==> The SSA is becoming one of the largest medical data repositories in the world  - maybe not by choice but they are certainly getting ready for it and starting to build it into their design.  If you have ever searched free text to try to find some specific information you know how hard it is to thumb through page after page of information looking for something.   With structure to the data, searching is much faster and easier.  So, we should start thinking about helping them by providing some structure to our data.  I shall put up some information on SSA Data Repository in by blog which can be accessed from the home page.
 

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