Optional Features

This section is a catch-all for most of the special purpose and optional codes and functions that are available. For example, the CMS insurance forms instructions specifically state that you may not use decimal points in the amounts or any other punctuation. We have had requests from some clients who want to have the decimal points. We know that when Medicare starts machine reading the forms in that client's area, the form will be rejected, however, we are trying to accommodate any reasonable request. Therefore, there is a way to get the decimal points. The end of this section contains a step by step example on "how to set up a control file".

The first options to be presented are activated/controlled by using "control" files. The control files are named the same as the program you wish to control. The programs have the same names as the print file that is created. For example, you want decimal points on the new CMS form. The "number" for ordering the CMS form is 511. The print file that is created is M6R511.LST. The program name is M6R511. The control file is named M6R511.CTL. In the control file are statements that are very much like in Microsoft Windows control files. In our example there would be a one line command: amountdecimal=yes.