CMS’ Identity and Access Management System (I&A) allows you to manage your providers’ Medicare enrollments and related online activities more easily and efficiently.
Until a few years ago, you were required to have a separate username and password for each of the CMS’ online systems necessary to ensure your Medicare enrollments and reimbursement. To compound the issue, these separate accounts were not linked and didn’t share information. This made the process of logging in and managing each CMS system confusing and tedious, especially when it came to keeping track of which functions each system handled.
By setting up an I&A account and understanding how to use it you can make your life easier, speed up Medicare enrollments and validations, and head off reimbursement delays.
What is the Identity and Access Management System?
In 2013, the I&A system was created as a shortcut to allow for better management of the Medicare enrollment process. It provides you with one login to access multiple CMS online systems, making them faster and easier to utilize. You can use your I&A login to access and manage the following CMS online systems:
- National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES)
A national database that assigns unique numbers to healthcare providers and plans as identifiers, National Provider Identifiers (NPIs). Currently, to bill most, if not all, insurance plans, your provider/practice needs an NPI. - Provider, Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
Medicare’s online enrollment system for providers and suppliers. This online database collects and maintains information submitted to Medicare during the enrollment process on the CMS-855 forms. - Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentives
The registration and management system for a CMS incentive program for eligible providers to promote the use of electronic medical records . Originally the program was known as the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (HER) Incentive Program. However, the program’s name has changed to the Promoting Interoperability Programs Registration System.
Note: CMS has made it clear that you are not in compliance with their requirements if you log into their systems using your provider’s username and password (versus your own login). The Identity & Access Management System resolves this issue.
Identity and Access Management System Setup
If you have not set up an I&A account, you are not alone. Many small and medium-sized practices have continued with the tried-and-true method of printing, completing and mailing required paperwork. This is time consuming and confusing.
Many practices were put off from using the I&A system because they previously tried to use CMS’ online systems before I&A became available in 2013. Individually the sites were confusing and burdensome to navigate. Don’t let your previous experiences stand in your way. The Identity and Access Management System can make your Medicare enrollment process easier and more efficient.
Getting set up to use the I&A is easier than setting up a Facebook profile. There are two main ways to get started:
- Have your provider send you an invitation through their I&A account and accept it.
- Create your own I&A profile and connect to your provider after you are all set up.
CMS has developed an I&A Quick Reference Guide and Frequently Asked Questions document to help you through the setup process. Starting on page six of the reference guide, you’ll find instructions and screenshots of exactly how you can set up your new I&A account.
Getting your I&A account set up and functional is only the first step in ensuring you are in compliance with the complexities of meeting Medicare enrollment requirements. Experts Tracey Tokheim, Gretchin Heckenlively, CPA, FHFMA, and Yesenia Servin, CPMSM, PESC, have prepared a 3-part online training series that can help you quickly overcome the challenges of the Medicare enrollment and validation process. This 3-part online training series, Master PECOS Enrollment & Boost Your Payup, is immediately available for you to utilize. You can find more information regarding this valuable training series and its expert presenters online. Reserve your access today.
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