10 things you need before enrolling providers online

CMS released this article on using its Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (aka, PECOS). Here's the biggest takeaway from the article - 10 items you'll need by your side when enrolling a provider:

• An active National Provider Identifier (NPI);
• A National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) User ID and password;
• Personal identifying information, which includes the physician's or non-physician practitioner's legal name on file with the Social Security Administration, date of birth, and Social Security Number;
• Professional license and certification information, which includes information regarding the physician's or non-physician practitioner's professional license, professional school degrees or certificates;
• Practice location information, which includes information regarding the physician's or non-physician practitioner's medical practice location;
• The legal business name of a solely-owned Professional Association (PA), Professional Corporation (PC), or Limited Liability Company (LLC) on file with the Internal Revenue Service and appearing on the IRS CP575 form;
• A photocopy of the CP-575 form;
• The NPI of the PA, PC, or LLC; and
• Any Federal, State, and/or local (city/county) business licenses, certifications and/or registrations specifically required by that business to operate as a health care facility; and
• If applicable, information about any final adverse action that impacts the physician or non-physician practitioner.

You may also want to consider ordering a CD of our latest audio conference regarding online enrollment, "Learn How to Enroll Medicare Providers Online." The presentation will arm you with more information on the online enrollment process so you'll feel more than comfortable using the new system. The presentation works wonderfully for any future in-house, in-service training opportunities.