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Craneware online

Craneware Online provides convenient web based access to Chargemaster Toolkit’s Reference Tools for users who do not need access to the Charge Description Master. In addition to the outpatient coding and reimbursement data found in the Toolkit reference tools, Craneware Online contains expanded coding information for ICD-9 Procedure and Diagnostic Codes, DRG’s by MDC, a Medical Necessity Checker and much more. Craneware Online also allows full Toolkit users and Craneware Online only users to correspond directly about issues related to billing codes in the CDM file, and automatically document messages in the audit trail of the Toolkit. Craneware Online users can elect to receive compliance alerts via e-mail from our Data Team that are specific to their clinical service line.

Options checklist:

I want to replace the coding and regulatory books purchased each year.
I want a tool that is simple for operations and other staff to access and use.
I want quick access to the reference tools without having to open my CDM file in the Toolkit.
I want to access the reference tools from any PC at work or home that doesn’t have Toolkit loaded.
I want to seek validation, input, approval, or simply notify another user about a maintenance event within my CDM and save the communication as part of the history of the transaction.
I want to raise awareness of charging compliance risks among participants in our charge capture process through a relevant and sustainable communication and education process.
I want to check if an Advance Beneficiary Notice will be needed prior to scheduling a patient for admission based on the admitting diagnosis and intended procedures.

Key information and lessons from the field:

Craneware issues licenses to Craneware Online as part of the sales process. Toolkit users can add licenses to their agreement at any time by contacting their sales representative. All licenses are concurrent and therefore support a larger number of users.
Before a user can access Craneware Online they must be set up via the Toolkit user permissions by the hospital’s Supervisor. This process results in an e-mail to the user through which they obtain a user ID and password. Once authorized the user only needs access to a PC with an internet connection, their username and password. Craneware Online is accessed directly through our website at Craneware.com.
Craneware Online should be given to everyone needing periodic access to coding and regulatory information or in need of ongoing revenue compliance education. In this way the CDM team’s circle of influence is expanded to include all members of the charge capture and billing process.
Toolkit Users can communicate to Craneware Online users through memos. The memos are then answered by the Craneware Online user and sent back to populate the audit trail in the Toolkit Data File. Through the Tools, Message Center options full Toolkit users can review a complete list of memos attached to the CDM billing codes and use a filter to check for responses. Craneware Online users can view outstanding memos and respond through a Chargemaster Related Memos button on the home page.
Many hospitals choose to give users access to both Chargemaster Toolkit and Craneware Online.
Authorized Craneware Online users can designate themselves to receive Craneware Insights - compliance alerts via e-mail. A button on the Craneware Online home page labelled “Change CW Insights Dept” brings them to a screen where they select the clinical areas relevant to them. An archive of prior Insights articles is also available via the Craneware Online home page.
Through the Craneware Online home page users designate key information about their FI, part B carrier, provider ID, etc. that determines the fee schedule and other information presented within the reference tool.
Hospital and physician office Admissions, Utilization Review and Scheduling staff can directly access a Medical Necessity/ ABN checker from the Craneware Online home page. This tool is also a good resource for clinical departments wanting to validate their charge capture practices.

Craneware Online Training Guide

Craneware Online Setup Guide

Craneware Online Extra Features Guide