Does a “Print Image” file have to be submitted with the ECR file?
All providers, who use a CMS approved vendor program, must submit a print image file (an electronic print image of the entire cost report) with their electronic cost report (ECR) file. The print image file must be in ASCII format. For those providers who create print image files which are too large to be placed on a diskette with the ECR file, a compression program must be employed. The compressed file must be self extracting. A print image file must contain its own encryption coding both in the print image file and on Worksheet S just below the ECR encryption code. The order of processing these files should be ECR creation, print image creation, and Worksheet S. HFS automatically creates the ECR and PI files, writes them to the diskette, and if necessary, compresses the file. HFS also makes a backup copy of these files, in your “Location of FIles > Current Year Data Files” folder.
