COMSERV, Inc. Unique Products and Services: DIS FAQ (...and Answers)

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How often is the DIS updated?

The DIS is updated on a daily basis with information we receive from our sources and clients. By no means does a DIS death record remain static. The DIS architecture, and the COMSERV quality assurance group is dedicated to using this information to make necessary updates to the DIS data base.

What information do you need from us for the DIS investigation?

The DIS investigation can be completed by using either the social security number (SSN), or name and date of birth (DOB). Please note that a DIS investigation using only the name and DOB can provide undesirable results. For example, in many cases, there will be multiple matches on a single record and determining which is the correct person can be cumbersome. COMSERV recommends providing the SSN, name, DOB, zip code, and any other information you would like to see on the DIS report. See below for suggested formatting guidelines.

How do we format the information you need from us for the DIS investigation?

COMSERV will accept virtually any type of magnetic media (e.g. floppy disk, tape, CD, databases, spreadsheets, e-mail) and/or hardcopy for the DIS investigation. The following tables are the basic guidelines to use when formatting the information as an standard text file for the DIS investigation. There can be two (2) types of records sent to COMSERV as follows:

1.	The format for each record of a person to be investigated ("Audit Record ") against the DIS is:

LOCATION	FIELD#	FIELD NAME	FIELD SIZE	FIELD FORMAT
1-11	1	Social Security Number	11	Character
12-39	2	Filler (Blanks)	28	Character
40-47	3	Constant Value 99999999	8	Numeric
48-182	4	Client Information*	135	Character
183-200	5	Filler (Blanks)	18	Character

Click here to view the sample of this Audit Record format.

*	Any information you would like to have printed on the DIS report may be placed in this field. COMSERV recommends providing the SSN, name, DOB, zip code, and any other information you would like to see on the DIS report.

In cases where you have deceased persons on your files, please provide us the information on these deceased persons ("Death Record") using the following record format. (Note: This record will be added to our files. If you do not know of any deceased persons, then disregard the following format.) Please note that you can intermix Death Record(s) with Audit Record(s) in the same file.

LOCATION	FIELD#	FIELD NAME	FIELD SIZE	FIELD FORMAT
1-11	1	Social Security Number	11	Character
12-39	2	Last Name(s)	28	Character
40-47	3	MMDDCCYY of Death	8	Numeric
48-55	4	MMDDCCYY of Birth	8	Numeric
56-85	5	First and Middle Name(s)	30	Character
86-90	6	Zip Code	5	Numeric
91-200	7	Filler (Blanks)	110	Character

Click here to view the sample of this Death Record format.
Click here to view the sample of intermixing Audit Record(s) with Death Record(s).

The following are the suggested formatting guidelines for sending COMSERV the information in a spreadsheet.

COLUMN	COLUMN#	COLUMN NAME	COLUMN SIZE	COLUMN FORMAT
A	1	Social Security Number	Any	Text
B	2	Client Information*	Any	Text

Click here to view the sample of this Audit Record spreadsheet format.

COLUMN	COLUMN#	COLUMN NAME	COLUMN SIZE	COLUMN FORMAT
A	1	Social Security Number	Any	Text
B	2	Last Name(s)	Any	Text
C	3	First Name(s)	Any	Text
D	4	Middle Name(s)	Any	Text
E	5	MMDDCCYY of Death	Any	Text
F	6	MMDDCCYY of Birth	Any	Text
G	7	Zip Code	Any	Text

Click here to view the sample of this Death Record spreadsheet format.

Can we send you our information electronically? What about security?

Yes. Security of your information sent over the Internet is very important to us. The COMSERV Secure File Transfer System (CSFTS) is available for securely sending and receiving any file. This secure system provides authorized COMSERV customers the capability to exchange any type of file using an encrypted and authenticated web-based interface. COMSERV highly recommends utilizing CSFTS. COMSERV customers must verbally contact COMSERV to obtain CSFTS access credentials.

For customers who do not elect to use CSFTS, information for the DIS investigation can be emailed as an attachment to DIS@comserv-inc.com. COMSERV recommends using the WinZip software to compress and encrypt the file(s) before sending. At a minimum, COMSERV recommends securing the attachment with a password, which is at least eight (8) characters in length. Various software, such as MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-Access, and WinZip support the use of a password. Encryption software is also recommended and COMSERV can assist in this area.

Can we be assured our information will be kept confidential?

Yes. COMSERV will use every reasonable security measure to provide for complete confidentiality of all of your information. COMSERV will not use your information for any other purposes besides what has been authorized by you. COMSERV classifies all CLIENT information as strictly confidential and maintains information security in the highest regard. Confidentiality and Non-disclosure agreements are welcomed.