Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a list of some of the frequently asked questions regarding the 32-bit software.
We hope you find these questions/answers helpful. Please please call (916)686-8152, or e-mail us at support@hfssoft.com if you can't find what you are looking for.

Hospital 2552-96 FAQ

• Should I file on this software?
  CMS 2552-96 Transmittal 18 (our version 18) must be used for fiscal years ending on or after 4/30/2008. All resubmitted or amended cost reports are required to be submitted on the latest CMS approved software. If you have a cost report with a fiscal year that ends prior to 4/30/2008 and you have not yet filed this report, we recommend that you use the latest Transmittal 18 software to file the report. Contact your FI/MAC if you are still not sure which software to use.

• Are my old files compatible?
  Yes, any Hospital MCR file created in the 16 bit system (Red Icon) can be opened and run in the 32 bit system (Yellow Icon). However, a newly created 32 bit file cannot be opened/run in the 16 bit system. (Note: This compatibility relates to the MCR and MCA file only.)

• Is my 16-bit 339 file compatible?
  No. The 339 data file from the 16-bit software is not compatible with the 32-bit software. We recommend you print the 339 in the 16-bit software and the re-key it in the 32-bit software. Note: The file extension for the 339 data in the 32-bit software is XPRQ.

General FAQ

• I can't view the CMS Instruction Help. What should I do?
  CMS Instruction Help is available from within the MCRIF32 software. For information on how to view help, see the FAQ on Viewing Help.

• I have an Internet connection but it says I don't. What should I do?
  There are several features of the software that require an Internet connection. If an Internect connection is not detected, your software will still function and allow you to process your cost report, however these features will be disabled. When the software reports that you do not have an Internet connection (and you believe you do), the most likely cause is that your computer's security is set to not allow the application to access the Internet. There are a few things you can do to avoid this problem:
  1. Allow MCRIF32.EXE to get through Windows Firewall:
     Allowing a program through the firewall, sometimes called unblocking, is when you create an exception to enable a particular program to send information back and forth through the firewall. You can also allow a program through the firewall by opening one or more ports. For more information, see Allow a program to communicate through Windows Firewall. For information about adding HFS to your trusted sites and firewall see Trusted Sites and Proxy Exceptions.

  2. Add HFS to your Trusted Sites:
     Add http://www.hfssoft.com and http://www.hfssoft.net to your Trusted Sites. To do this, you might need to contact your IT department so they can add HFS to the global trusted sites. If you control your own computer, see How to use security zones in Internet Explorer for more information.

  3. Connection problems:
     It is possible that the software is detecting a connection problem. Try using the feature again and if you still have problems connecting, try steps 1 and/or 2.

• How do I install the software for the first time?
  • If you are installing from our Download Center, first log in to the Download Center and then click on the software you are trying to install. The 32-bit software uses Install Shield as the installation program, so when prompted, click Run (or Open) to start the installation and follow the prompts. We recommend installing to the default location of C:\MCRIF32.

  • If you are installing from a CD, first insert the CD into your CD ROM drive. The installation program should start automatically. If not, open Windows Explorer and navigate to the CD ROM drive. Then double-click on the setup.exe program. The installation program should start. Follow the installation prompts.

• If I am licensed for Hospital and Home Office, do I have to install both?

  No. If you are licensed for more than one of our 32-bit software products, you only need to install one. After installing the one product, you can select Check for Updates from the Task Pane and you will automatically receive all other licensed 32-bit software products.

• Can I use this software with Windows Vista?

  Yes. The 32-bit software is Windows XP and Vista compatible (see Software Requirements). You must run the software as an administrator so that the software can register certain required components with Windows. You probably already run all programs as an administrator but sometimes you might be locked out of running as an administrator because of restrictions in your company. To run as an administrator you can Right-click on the yellow HFS desktop icon and select

  1. Run as administrator, or
  2. Properties, then select the Compatibility tab and check the box Run this program as an administrator.

  If you do not have access to these options, contact your IT department for further instructions on running as an administrator.

• What Registry settings are required?

  You will need access to the following keys and all child keys.
  Permissions must be set to FULL CONTROL

  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Health Financial Systems
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Health Financial Systems
  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID

• How do I report a problem with the software?

  On the Task Pane in the 32-bit software you will find an item under Help called Submit Feedback. Click in this item to display the feedback page. There you can enter a description of the problem you want to report. This goes directly into our support database and a support representative will contact you regarding your problem submission.

  Alternatively, you can call (916)686-8152, or e-mail us at support@hfssoft.com to report the issue.