- Who should use the Querying and Reporting XML Service
(QRXS)?
The
QRXS
interface is ideal for large volume reporters who use
their own transaction processing systems and want to interface
those systems with the Data Banks. The QRXS is similar to the Interface
Control Document (ICD) Transfer Program (ITP) interface, but uses
eXtensible Markup Language (XML) as the file format for submissions
and responses. XML provides the advantage of verifying the
reporting format without have to submit transactions and
wait for validation responses from the NPDB-HIPDB system.
Also, the XML technology enables a more flexible interface
that is more easily changed than the ITP if report or
querying formats change.
This service is currently available for reporting only.
Querying will be added to the QRXS in the future.
- Where can I locate the Querying and Reporting XML
Service (QRXS) file format specifications?
The QRXS file format
specifications, in addition to detailed information on the QRXS,
can be found by selecting the Using the QRXS link on the Data Banks home page.
- How often will there be changes to the eXtensible
Markup Language (XML) format and will we be informed in advance of
such changes?
The XML Import Format is updated periodically by the Data Banks.
The Data Banks will notify users at least
one month in advance of an update to code lists, which
are expected to occur quarterly. Users will be notified six
months in advance of other updates to the XML Import Format that
may be necessary from time to time. It is strongly recommended
that users join the
Integrated Querying and
Reporting Service (IQRS) Subject Database XML Import Mailing
List
located on the Data Banks home page under the
IQRS Subject Database category to receive notice of updates.
Addresses must be kept current or notices will not be received.
- How can we test our eXtensible Markup Language (XML)
subject database import files before live submission?
It is recommended that you use an
XML validator to verify that your XML files conform to the
XML Import Format Schema provided
by the Data Banks. You may also e-mail your test
import files to our Customer Service
Center at npdb-hipdb@sra.com. Your test
files will be checked for validity and will be e-mailed back to you with any
corrections.
- Can an imported subject be marked as incomplete even after
having been validated by an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) validator prior to import?
Yes. An XML validator checks that your XML files are correctly
formatted prior to importing them into the Integrated Querying and
Reporting Service (IQRS). A validator will not reveal which
subjects are incomplete, since this is a function of the subject
data rather than the file format.
- Is there a particular validator that you would
recommend?
While there are many commercial and open-source eXtensible
Markup Language (XML) validators available, the Data Banks neither
recommends nor supports any particular brand(s).
- Can I query and report using my Entity Data Bank Administrator account?
No, the Entity Data Bank Administrator user ID can only be used to perform
administrative functions. The Entity Data Bank Administrator must create individual user
accounts for each authorized user to submit queries and reports. The Entity Data Bank Administrator may
also create an individual user account for his or her own use if he or she routinely
queries or reports to the Data Banks. (Also in
Interface Control Document Transfer Program [ITP] FAQ and Integrated Querying
and Reporting Service [IQRS] FAQ.)
- What security measures are in place to
protect data transmissions to and from the Data Banks?
All data transmissions are protected using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol.
SSL interface between applications (such as browsers) and the Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols to provide server
authentication, client authentication, and an encrypted communication
channel between client and server. Software is installed to protect
against viruses, malware, and spyware. A firewall is used to filter
all traffic and to keep malicious traffic outside the protected
environment. An intrusion detection system monitors activity to
identify malicious or suspicious events. (Also in Security FAQ and
Interface Control Document Transfer Program [ITP] FAQ.)
- How can we find out if our
Querying and Reporting XML Service (QRXS)
report submission file(s) were received, and
how long should we wait for a response file?
To confirm that your submission file(s) were received,
the Data Banks will immediately generate a status code
indicating whether the file(s) were successfully received.
The response file(s) should be available for download within
two to four hours. Under certain circumstances, additional
processing may be required. Please do not re-submit your report on
the subject in question, since this will result in duplicate transactions.
If you do not receive your response within two business days of submission,
please call the Customer Service Center at
1-800-767-6732. Information
Specialists are available to speak with you weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Fridays) Eastern Time. The Customer Service Center
is closed on all Federal holidays.
- How long is a
Querying and Reporting XML Service (QRXS)
report response file available for download?
Report responses are available for download for up to 45 days
from the date of submission. Password responses are available for download for five days.
