MDS: Multiple User (Networking)
Overview
The MDS software was originally designed for use on a stand-alone computer. Many of its functions, which occur during claiming, require a great deal of calculation and record processing to perform automatic adjustments, voids, transportation, check for previously claimed services, and refresh of the dynamic calendar.
However, it seems many counties and large districts require several users to input the large number of student services provided. In addition, other requests have been made to allow managers, via a network environment, to review data or print reports, while a user is entering or reviewing data. Since the need to provide the ability to support multiple users has arisen, MDS has been modified to support multiple users with no effect on its functionality and minimal effect on its response time.
These modifications are incorporated the MDS software. The following will provide an overview of the modification effects.
Record locking has been provided for updates to the ME file which will indicate if "Another user is currently updating this file". This will prevent errors in the rare case where two users are trying to change the same student information.
Record locking has been provided for the claiming process. Note: If two users have the same screen selected (CIN/student, service code, month and year) at the same time, and both claim the same day the result will be no claim selected to be processed. This operation cannot effectively be locked without seriously effecting the response time of the system. Suggestion: Distribute the data to be entered to users performing the data entry function in a manner that will preclude two users from entering data for the same student.
Other changes have been made to limit functions to a "primary" or "administrative" user. The administrative and "data entry" or "satellite" user(s) shall be identified during setup.
To accomplish this two separate icons will need to be created. The administrative user will have an MDS icon that will provide only this user with exclusive use of the data (while the administrative user is logged on MDS no other users can access the data). The satellite users will have non-exclusive or shared use of the data. Keep in mind if an administrative user is also a satellite user, the administrative user can maintain two icons (one for administrative purposes and the other for data entry).
Using this method will allow claims to include all services entered by all users.
Using this method will require claiming to be halted (satellite users to be signed off of MDS and administrative user to be signed on) prior to the creation of the claim disk.
Using this method will prohibit satellite users access to the MDS "Utilities" menu (all functions), "Setup" menu (all functions with the exception of "Input School Closing Dates" and "MDS version" buttons), "Output Demographic Data to Disk" button (on the "Demographics" menu), "Load Remittance and Rejected Claim File from Disk" button, "Load ME File from Disk" button, and "Create Claim Disk" button.
Setup
The installation of this program on a network can vary depending on the network. In general the steps are as follows:
Remove previous version of MDS software from each computer. Use Control Panel and "Add/Remove software" icon. Select MDS and remove all.
Use the explorer to delete the CMSMDS directory. To do this, right click the "Start" button, select and left click the "Explorer" button, highlight/select the "CMSMDS" folder (directory), and press the "Del" key.
Install MDS software on each computer that will be used. Note: change the path C:\cmsmds to X:\cmsmds where X is the network drive designated by your network administrator. This will install the program and blank files on the network and the program interpreter on the local drive. Note: On all but the first installation you will receive a message "program exists- do you want to overwrite"; answer YES.
Modify the start up icons for all satellite users. To do this, right click the "Start" button, select and left click the "Open" option, double left click "Programs" icon, double left click "MDS" icon, right click the "Medicaid Data System" icon, select properties, left click the "shortcut" tab, highlight/select only the following five (5) characters: /excl in the Target box, press the "Del" key, click on the "Apply" button to apply the change and click on the "OK" button to save to change.
Delete the MDS Compact function for all satellite users. To do this, right click the "Start" button, select and left click the "Open" option, double left click "Programs" icon, double left click "MDS" icon, highlight/select the Compact icon and press the "Del" key. This function can only be used by the administrative user.
Delete the MDS Repair function for all satellite users. To do this, right click the "Start" button, select and left click the "Open" option, double left click "Programs" icon, double left click "MDS" icon, highlight/select the Repair icon and press the "Del" key. This function can only be used by the administrative user.
There may be other issues when installing on a network. For instance, if a Novell is used, it does not support long file names, i.e. Program Files. This will cause an error during installation that will allow Novell to create an alternate path with eight digit file names. It is suggested that you accept this default. For other conflicts contact the network administrator for assistance.