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Provider enrollment FAQs


Q. How do I change my address or update other provider enrollment information (e.g., practice name or change of ownership)?
A. Address changes and provider file updates must be submitted on the proper CMS form, depending on the type of provider/supplier. A CMS 855A is required for a facility. For more information, refer to the Medicare Provider-Supplier Enrollment external link page on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Web site. This page provides an overview of provider-supplier enrollment, as well as links to enrollment applications, DMEPOS accreditation, and enrollment demonstrations. Also refer to the Provider Enrollment section of this Web site.
Information on where to mail completed applications may be found in the Florida Medicare Mail Directory.
(Last modified: 6/4/08)
Source: CMS Internet Only Manual (IOM) Pub. 100-08 Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 10

Q: I submitted an application to change my address. What should I do to check the status of my enrollment application?
A: For all enrollment applications, contact the Part A Interactive Voice Response (IVR) unit for current status. This functional enhancement was added over the summer of 2008.
For details on the information needed and how to receive status of your application, please refer to the IVR Operating Guide on our Web site. The information is found under the heading “Claim, Correspondence, and Enrollment Status - Press 2”, and the subheading “For Status of an Enrollment Application press 3.”
(Last Modified 11/26/08)
Source: Part A IVR Operating Guide

Q: As an established provider with Medicare who receives paper checks, does an EFT Agreement need to be included when I submit a change to my provider enrollment file?
A: Yes, unless you are reassigning all of your Medicare benefits to your employer or a clinic/group practice.
FCSO requires the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization Agreement (CMS-588) form if you are submitting an initial Provider Enrollment Application or a change to an existing Medicare provider file that has not previously been set up for EFT.
As of December 1, 2006, FCSO can only accept the CMS-588 (08/06) version of the form. This form may be downloaded from the CMS Web site (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms/downloads/CMS588.pdf external pdf). The form must be complete, accurate, and include the original signature of the authorized/delegated official, as well as the signature date. Remember to include a copy of a voided check and/or a deposit slip. With the EFT authorization, Medicare can send payments directly to your financial institution whether claims are filed electronically or on paper.
Note: Please check with your bank for the proper number to report as the routing number on your EFT form. FCSO has determined that some banks may not use the routing number located at the bottom of your pre-printed check or deposit ticket for direct deposits but may use the automated clearing house (ACH) number located elsewhere on the check or deposit ticket.
An organization does not need to submit an EFT for each of its members, only for the legal entity.
(Last modified: 12/6/07)
Source: CMS Internet Only Manual (IOM) Pub. 100-08 Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 10, Sections 7.1.1 & 8; FCSO Article: Tips to expedite your Medicare Enrollment Process; FCSO Article: Florida Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Q: Who should sign the certification statement of the CMS-855 provider enrollment application?
A: The following shows the information for the various applications.
CMS-855A and CMS-855B
For initial enrollment and revalidation, the certification statement must be signed and dated (preferably in blue ink) by an authorized official. An authorized official is an appointed official to whom the organization has granted legal authority to enroll it in the Medicare program, make changes or updates to the organization’s status, and commit the organization to fully abide by the statutes, regulations, and program instructions of the Medicare program.
The authorized official signature must be original. Faxed, stamped, or photocopied signatures cannot be accepted.
The provider can have an unlimited number of authorized officials. However, each authorized official must be listed in section 6 of the CMS-855. Anyone listed as a “Contracted Managing Employee” in section 6 of the CMS-855 cannot be an authorized official.
CMS-855I
The only person who may sign the CMS-855I is the individual practitioner, including solely-owned entities listed in section 4A. This applies to initial enrollments, changes of information, reactivations, etc. An individual practitioner may not delegate authority to any other person to sign the CMS-855I on his/her behalf.
CMS-855R
The provider reassigning his/her benefits must sign section 4A of the CMS-855R, as there is no authorized or delegated official involved.
For initial reassignment, both the individual and the group’s authorized or delegated official must sign section 4. If either signature is missing, FCSO will return the application.
If terminating a reassignment, either party may sign section 4; both signatures are not required. If no signatures are present, FCSO will return the application.
The authorized or delegated official who signs section 4 must be currently on file with FCSO.
All CMS-855 applications
If the application is not signed and dated appropriately, the application will be returned. The application will need to be corrected and resubmitted. Any application resubmission must contain a brand new certification statement page containing a signature and date. The provider cannot simply add its signature to the original certification statement it submitted.
(Last modified: 12/6/07)
Source: CMS Internet Only Manual (IOM) Pub. 100-08 Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 10, Sections 3.2-A&B, 4.15-4.16 & 4.20.

Q. When do I need to complete a new CMS-855?
A. You need to complete a new CMS-855 when:
An individual or entity is requesting enrollment into the Medicare Program, a CMS 855 application(s) must be submitted.
Changes are being submitted to update enrollment information and the individual or entity does not have a completed enrollment application (CMS 855) on file, a CMS 855 application must be submitted.
An individual or entity is submitting a request for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and an enrollment application is not on file, a CMS 855 application must be submitted.
(Last modified: 9/27/07)
Source: CMS IOM Pub 100-08 – Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 10, Sections 4.1, 7.1, 7.1.8, 7.1.9

Q. What happens to my application if it is submitted and is found to be incomplete?
A. When an incomplete application is submitted or is missing documents, the provider enrollment specialist will send a letter, send a fax or contact you by telephone outlining the missing information or attachment(s). For missing information on the CMS 855 application, the corrected sections of the application along with a new certification statement must be signed by an authorized official. This information can be faxed back to us since we have your original signature on file. If we are only missing supported documentation the provider does not need to submit a new certification. You are only required to fax us copies of the missing documentation (e.g., copy of your Internal Revenue Service (IRS) CP-575 form).
(Last modified: 4/16/08)
Source: CMS IOM Pub 100-08 - Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 10, Sections 3.1A & 5.3A-C

Q. What is PECOS?
A. The Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) is a national database of Medicare provider, physician, and supplier enrollment information. PECOS is used to collect and maintain the data submitted on CMS 855 enrollment forms.
(Last modified: 9/27/07)
Source: CMS IOM Pub 100-08 - Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 10, Section 15; 71 Federal Register 60536; Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters Special Edition Article SE0417
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