PCDIS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:	What does the acronym PCDIS stand for?
A:	PCDIS is the acronym for the Purchased Care Detail Information System.
Q:	What is the function of the PCDIS application?
A:	PCDIS functions as a search window into the TRICARE Purchased Care Data warehouse (PCDW).
Q:	How is the PCDIS application accessed?
A:	PCDIS is accessed online and requires an ADP II security clearance.
Q:	Where can I go to get help if I have question about the PCDIS application?
A:	You can use the Help link at the top of the PCDIS Welcome screen or contact the MHS Help Desk at 1-800-600-9332 (CONUS) or via e-mail at http://www.mhs-helpdesk.com.
Q:	What are the handling requirements for PCDIS information and data?
A:	The information contained in PCDIS is confidential personal health information protected by the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.  PCDIS information should be accessed only by authorized persons on a need-to-know basis and should be used only for its intended purpose.  PCDIS data and information must be kept secure and handled accordingly.
Q:	What data is included in the PCDIS application?
A:	PCDIS includes all Health Care Service Record (HCSR) and TRICARE Encounter Data (TED) claims for purchased healthcare received outside the MTF’s by TRICARE beneficiaries.
Q:	What types of search options are available in PCDIS?
A:	There are four PCDIS search options available: Sponsor/Beneficiary Search, Provider Search, NAS/MTF and TED/HCSR ICN Search.
Q:	What type of information can be used to access a claim or group of claims in PCDIS?
A:	Claims can be accessed by using an individual claim number, sponsor or patient social security number, patient name,  patient date of birth, Non-Availability Statement ID number, provider name, provider ID number, provider state, or zip, MTF DMIS code (for NAS-related claims).
Q:	How will PCDIS display detailed claim information?
A:	Detailed claim information will be displayed on three different screens for security and privacy purposes.  Beneficiary information cannot be viewed online at the same time as the processing and financial information.
Q:	What are the different Provider Search options in PCDIS?
A:	Provider Name, Provider ID and Provider Zip or State.
Q:	What are the different Sponsor/Beneficiary Search options in PCDIS?
A:	Patient Name, Sponsor ID and Patient Identifier.
Q:	If I only had a partial patient name to conduct a claims search, can PCDIS still perform a search?
A:	Yes.  PCDIS utilizes an implied wildcard to assist you when conducting a Sponsor/Beneficiary search using the Patient Name search option..
Q:	What type of patient information is displayed in PCDIS?
A:	PCDIS displays a sponsor and patient profile as well as summarized claims data for the patient.
Q:	Are provider claims costs and workload data summarized, by calendar or fiscal year?
A:	Fiscal year.
Q:	What is the most efficient method to locate a specific claim?
A:	Using an Internal Control Number (ICN) in the TED/HCSR ICN Search is the most efficient method to find a claim.
Q:	Where is specific claim information on inpatient hospital charges found in PCDIS?
A:	This information can be found at the Detail-Institutional Utilization/Revenue Information screen.
Q:	Where is inpatient and outpatient professional cost and workload data found in PCDIS?
A:	This information can be found at the Non-Institutional Utilization screen in PCDIS.