Decision Resources
How frequently do you publish updates?
We provide updates as soon as possible after CMS has published the revised data each month. Generally, our processing requires 2-5 days. Once ready, we will notify you by e-mail that updates are ready to be downloaded and we will ship DVDs.
When does CMS publish its data?
Unknown. We watch their web site daily.
Isn't this data available for free?
Yes - it is available free from CMS.
In our experience, the data quality provided by CMS is relatively poor and it requires constant adjustment of our programs to ensure clean loads. As an example, here was the message on the download website in May, 2008:
"The NPPES file that was made available for downloading on May 22, 2008 contained two corrupted files. Those files have been replaced and the May NPPES file is now available...." (screenshot) And again, in August, 2010: There was a problem with the August NPPES file; as a result, the file has been removed from this site. The file will be replaced as soon as a corrected file is available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.We feel that the processing time required to scrub the data, then compare 3.1 million records to find deltas, and the subsequent exception processing that we perform is worth far more than the price we are charging.
In addition, we provide a turn-key implementation of the data - which can save you thousands of dollars and hundreds of headaches.
How can I use the data?
We have tried to make our License Agreement as clear as possible. Please read it for specifics.
Do you offer other formats?
Generally speaking, no. If there is significant demand, we might consider offering other formats. We feel that the structures and formats that we do offer cover most everyone's needs.
If you have a specific application where what we currently provide does not meet your needs, we'd be happy to provide a quote for services based on your requirements.
If I order a single download today and then subscribe later, can I have my account credited?
No. We provide the options and pricing that we do so that we cover the broadest range of needs. If you order a single download today, you bear the risk that in the future you may need to subscribe later.
We decided to offer lower-cost single downloads specifically for those who need to do quick prototyping, etc. but don't want to pay the up-front cost of a subscription.
What happens if I need access to data after you've archived it?
We archive data after three months because of space considerations (maintaining a full set of files requires nearly 50GB of space on our servers).
We can provide you access to archived data sets for an additional 90 days for one support token per month requested (for example, if you need two months of data that have both been archived, it would require two tokens).
I just purchased a license and I don't have access to updates, why not?
Normally, when you purchase a subscription, you will have access to the most recent full data set. Once data for the following month is published, you will have access to both the full data set for that month and the update set tbat allows you to synchronize the data from the previous month to its current state.
On request, we can make the most current update set and prior month’s full data set available to you for a single support token. Please create a support ticket to request this. (PLEASE NOTE: This service will not be available until after the July, 2008 data is published)
Do you offer a web service?
Not at this time. If you are interested, please let us know. We anticipate the cost of an annual subscription to a web service to be around the cost of a flat format subscription. If you have an application for a web service, we may have an interest in working with you to pilot it.
Do you have an affiliate or referral program?
Not currently. However, if you believe you can bring to us a significant number of clients, we'd be happy to discuss an arrangement.