Attention Providers: Windows 10 Users Can No Longer Access CMS QIESNet Systems
Effective November 15, 2025, CMS has implemented a new policy blocking all remote users on Windows 10 from accessing the CMS QIESNet VPN. Because Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, CMS is now preventing unsupported operating systems from transmitting data to key CMS systems.
This means any SNF or hospice organization still relying on Windows 10 cannot submit or retrieve critical CMS files using QIESNet.
If you currently submit through Simple, you do not need to worry about this change.
What This Change Impacts
If your organization is still using Windows 10, you are unable to:
- Submit Hospice HIS files
- Submit PBJ Data
- Access CASPER reporting
This applies to all QIESNet remote users on Windows 10.
State and Federal users are not directly impacted.
Why This Matters for Post-Acute Providers
Losing access to QIESNet means losing the ability to:
- Maintain required regulatory submissions
- Meet CMS deadlines
- Validate reimbursement-critical data
- Access compliance-related CASPER reports
Failing to meet CMS submission standards can place your organization at risk for operational delays, penalties and compliance violations.
Remaining on Windows 10 is no longer a safe or viable option for CMS connectivity.
Your Options Moving Forward
To restore access, QIESNet recommends the following:
- Upgrade to Windows 11
- The simplest and most direct option if your hardware supports it.
- Use a different supported operating system
- Alternatives include Windows 11, macOS or updated Linux distributions.
- Transition away from QIESNet VPN dependency
- Modernizing your workflows reduces reliance on outdated VPN infrastructure.
How Simple Helps You Stay Connected
As regulatory technology continues evolving, Simple keeps your organization connected to CMS without worrying about browser issues, operating systems losing access, or CMS policy changes.
Simple’s cloud-based solutions:
- Eliminate the need for QIESNet VPN access
- Ensure safe, secure, compliant CMS data transmission
- Protect your agency from OS-related outages
- Stay aligned with CMS requirements
- Provide long-term stability as technology changes
Moving to Simple helps your agency remain operational, secure, and compliant within CMS’s requirements and policies.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If your organization may still be using Windows 10, now is the time to act.
For questions about the CMS QIESNet policy change, contact:
CMS QIESNet Remote User Helpdesk
mdcn.mco@palmettogba.com
1 (888) 238-2122
To learn how Simple can help safeguard your CMS connectivity now and in the future, please contact us today.