Curtail Cashflow Break, Master Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I

For providers to get paid when they treat Medicare patients, they have to be enrolled in the Medicare program. But the enrollment process and directions for Medicare enrollment application CMS-855I are complicated and confusing!

One wrong entry can delay your application setting you back thousands of dollars while you wait. These FAQs will help you get a handle on the CMS-855I and PECOS options so you can better navigate the tricky system.

What Circumstances Require Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I?

Physicians and non-physician practitioners must apply for enrollment in the Medicare program to receive a billing number. One of the ways you can do this is with the paper Medicare CMS-855I Application. You should fill out the Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I for your provider if he or she is:

a new Medicare enrollee
enrolled in Medicare but wants to enroll as an Individual Practitioner
enrolling with another Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)
re-validating, reactivating, or reporting a change to his or her Medicare enrollment
voluntarily terminating his or her Medicare enrollment

The paper Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I has some drawbacks:

Takes longer to process because you have to mail it in
Leaves more room for human error thus delaying your application approval

Change: Medicare is phasing out handwritten applications by the end of 2019. Therefore, instead of using the Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I, you should consider using the electronic system.

How Does PECOS Automate the Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I Process?

If you want a more streamlined and automated process, CMS has established the internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) as an alternative to the paper (CMS-855) enrollment process. The PECOS system contains several forms, including Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I. PECOS enables you to submit and manage your Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I securely and electronically. Check out these benefits of using internet-based PECOS:

You can enroll, change, or view your Medicare enrollment information more quickly and easily than when using the paper version of the Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I
You can easily add or change a reassignment of benefits or submit changes to existing Medicare applications
The online system enables you to easily upload documents and sign applications electronically
You’ll reduce your application processing time to 30 to 45 days from 60+ days
The application is a scenario-driven, tailored application process so you submit only the information that’s relevant to your application
There are built-in help screens and an extensive FAQ to help you navigate through the application if you get stuck
The system includes a link to new enrollment checklists that helps you gather the necessary documentation you need to complete the application
The online system makes it easy to check and update your information and it gives you greater control over reassignments

What Are Common Errors on Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I?

Missing or inaccurate information is the easiest way to have your provider’s Medicare application declined resulting in your practice not getting reimbursements or missing revalidations and having the provider’s privileges revoked. As outlined by industry expert Chastity Werner, RHIT, CMPE, CRCR, NCP in her online training session, you have to know how to:

Ensure your providers are enrolled accurately and efficiently the first time
Complete the online application in the PECOS system completely and accurately
Complete all required Medicare application questions for your new and existing providers
Prepare and upload provider signature pages and supporting documents for speedy approvals

Unfortunately, the list of errors that can go wrong is lengthy, including incorrect information, neglecting to include documents, filling out the wrong fields, missing or wrong signatures, and submitting the wrong application! With so many chances for error you must be extra vigilant.

What are The Best Ways to Avoid Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I Common Errors?

To help you avoid mistakes, be aware of some of the more common errors on Medicare Enrollment Application CMS-855I:

Placing the Medicare Identification Number in the wrong field
Neglecting to insert the NPI or placing it in the wrong field
Selecting that you are changing your Medicare information when you really want to revalidate your enrollment
Neglecting to put your medical school information or graduation year
Incomplete or missing birth information
Incomplete license/certification information
Sole proprietors who wish to report to Medicare under EIN neglect to fill out this section

You may have additional questions such as for the medical record storage and billing agency addresses can I supply a PO or dropbox instead of a street address? Can I use a stamped signature? Don’t let enrollment errors delay your reimbursement.

Train your enrollment staff on the top issues to speed the application process – and get it right the first time. Chastity is offering an online training to help you master Provider Enrollment.