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The CMS 855A form serves as a critical tool for institutional providers seeking to enroll in the Medicare program or to update their enrollment information. Specifically designed for a variety of health care organizations, this application facilitates the enrollment process for entities like hospitals, community mental health centers, and skilled nursing facilities. Providers can apply either online through the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) or via this paper application. The importance of providing accurate information cannot be overstated; crucial details about ownership, billing numbers, and legal business names must align with tax documents to avoid delays. The form incorporates instructions for documenting changes—such as ownership transitions or service modifications—which must be reported within specific timeframes. Additionally, the CMS 855A requires certain supporting documentation to validate the information provided, ensuring a robust vetting process that includes state agency surveys and contractor reviews before Medicare billing privileges are granted. As you navigate the intricacies of this application, it becomes clear that careful attention to detail is essential, from securing the appropriate National Provider Identifier (NPI) to submitting all required materials to the designated Medicare fee-for-service contractor.

Form Sample

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT APPLICATION

INSTITUTIONAL PROVIDERS

CMS-855A

SEE PAGE 1 TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE COMPLETING THE CORRECT APPLICATION

SEE PAGE 3 FOR INFORMATION ON WHERE TO MAIL THIS APPLICATION.

SEE PAGE 52 TO FIND A LIST OF THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATION.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Form Approved

CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES

OMB No. 0938-0685

WHO SHOULD COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION

Institutional providers can apply for enrollment in the Medicare program or make a change in their enrollment information using either:

The Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS), or

The paper enrollment application process (e.g., CMS 855A).

For additional information regarding the Medicare enrollment process, including Internet-based PECOS,

go to www.cms.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll.

Institutional providers who are enrolled in the Medicare program, but have not submitted the CMS 855A

г2003, are required to submit a Medicare enrollment application (i.e., Internet-based PECOS or the S 855A) as an initial application when reporting a change for the first time.

following health care organizations must complete this application to initiate the enrollment process:

Community Mental Health Center

Hospital

• Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility • Indian Health Services Facility

Critical Access Hospital

Organ Procurement Organization

End-Stage Renal Disease Facility

Outpatient Physical Therapy/Occupational

Federally Qualified Health Center

 

Therapy /Speech Pathology Services

Histocompatibility Laboratory

Religious Non-Medical Health Care Institution

Home Health Agency

Rural Health Clinic

Hospice

Skilled Nursing Facility

If your provider type is not listed above, contact your designated fee-for-service contractor before you submit this application.

Complete this application if you are a health care organization and you:

Plan to bill Medicare for Part A medical services, or

Would like to report a change to your existing Part A enrollment data. A change must be reported within 90 days of the effective date of the change; per 42 C.F.R. 424.516(e), changes of ownership or control must be reported within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

BILLING NUMBER INFORMATION

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is the standard unique health identifier for health care providers and is assigned by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). Medicare healthcare

providers, except organ procurement organizations, must obtain an NPI prior to enrolling in Medicare or before submitting a change to your existing Medicare enrollment information. Applying

for an NPI is a process separate from Medicare enrollment. To obtain an NPI, you may apply online at https://NPPES.cms.hhs.gov. As an organizational health care provider, it is your responsibility to determine if you have “subparts.'' A subpart is a component of an organization that furnishes healthcare and is not itself a legal entity. If you do have subparts, you must determine if they should obtain their own unique NPIs. Before you complete this enrollment application, you need to make those determinations and obtain NPl(s) accordingly.

IMPORTANT: For NPI purposes, sole proprietors and sole proprietorships are considered to be

“Type 1” providers. Organizations (e.g., corporations, partnerships) are treated as “Type 2” entities. When reporting the NPI of a sole proprietor on this application, therefore, the individual’s Type 1 NPI should be reported; for organizations, the Type 2 NPI should be furnished.

For more information about subparts, visit www.cms.gov/NationalProvldentStand to view the “Medicare

Expectations Subparts Paper.”

The Medicare Identification Number, often referred to as the CMS Certification Number (CCN) or Medicare “legacy” number, is a generic term for any number other than the NPI that is used to identify a Medicare provider.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION

Type or print all information so that it is legible. Do not use pencil.

Report additional information within a section by copying and completing that section for each additional entry.

Attach all required supporting documentation.

Keep a copy of your completed Medicare enrollment package for your records.

Send the completed application with original signatures and all required documentation to your designated Medicare fee-for-service contractor.

AVOID DELAYS IN YOUR ENROLLMENT

To avoid delays in the enrollment process, you should:

Complete all required sections.

Ensure that the legal business name shown in Section 2 matches the name on the tax documents.

Ensure that the correspondence address shown in Section 2 is the provider’s address.

Enter your NPI in the applicable sections.

Enter all applicable dates.

Ensure that the correct person signs the application.

Send your application and all supporting documentation to the designated fee-for-service contractor.

OBTAINING MEDICARE APPROVAL

The usual process for becoming a certified Medicare provider is as follows:

1.The applicant completes and submits a CMS-855A enrollment application and all supporting documentation to its fee-for-service contractor.

2.The fee-for-service contractor reviews the application and makes a recommendation for approval or denial to the State survey agency, with a copy to the CMS Regional Office.

3.The State agency or approved accreditation organization conducts a survey. Based on the survey results, the State agency makes a recommendation for approval or denial (a certification of compliance or noncompliance) to the CMS Regional Office. Certain provider types may elect voluntary accreditation by a CMS-recognized accrediting organization in lieu of a State survey.

4.A CMS contractor conducts a second contractor review, as needed, to verify that a provider continues to meet the enrollment requirements prior to granting Medicare billing privileges.

5.The CMS Regional Office makes the final decision regarding program eligibility. The CMS Regional Office also works with the Office of Civil Rights to obtain necessary Civil Rights clearances. If approved, the provider must typically sign a provider agreement.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information regarding the Medicare enrollment process, visit www.cms.gov/

MedicareProviderSupEnroll.

The fee-for-service contractor may request, at any time during the enrollment process, documentation to support or validate information reported on the application. You are responsible for providing this documentation in a timely manner.

The information you provide on this application will not be shared. It is protected under 5 U.S.C. Section 552(b)(4) and/or (b)(6), respectively. For more information, see the last page of this application for the Privacy Act Statement.

MAIL YOUR APPLICATION

The Medicare fee-for-service contractor (also referred to as a fiscal intermediary or a Medicare administrative contractor) that services your State is responsible for processing your enrollment application. To locate the mailing address for your fee-for-service contractor, go to www.cms.gov/

MedicareProviderSupEnroll.

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SECTION 1: BASIC INFORMATION

NEW ENROLLEES

If you are:

Enrolling with a particular fee-for-service contractor for the first time.

Undergoing a change of ownership where the new owner will not be accepting assignment of the Medicare assets and liabilities of the seller/former owner.

ENROLLED MEDICARE PROVIDERS

The following actions apply to Medicare providers already enrolled in the program:

Reactivation

To reactivate your Medicare billing privileges, submit this enrollment application. In addition, you must be able to submit a valid claim and meet all current requirements for your provider type before reactivation can occur.

Voluntary Termination

A provider should voluntarily terminate its Medicare enrollment when:

It will no longer be rendering services to Medicare patients,

It is planning to cease (or has ceased) operations,

There has been an acquisition/merger and the new owner will not be using the identification number of the entity it has acquired,

There has been a consolidation and the identification numbers of the consolidating providers will no longer be used, or

There has been a change of ownership and the new owner will not be accepting assignment of the Medicare assets and liabilities of the seller/former owner, meaning that the number of the seller/former owner will no longer be used.

NOTE: A voluntary identification number termination cannot be used to circumvent any corrective action plan or any pending/ongoing investigation, nor can it be used to avoid a period of reasonable assurance, where a provider must operate for a certain period without recurrence of the deficiencies that were the basis for the termination. The provider will not be reinstated until the completion of the reasonable assurance period.

Change of Ownership (CHOW)

A CHOW typically occurs when a Medicare provider has been purchased (or leased) by another organization. The CHOW results in the transfer of the old owner's Medicare Identification Number and provider agreement (including any outstanding Medicare debt of the old owner) to the new owner. The regulatory citation for CHOWs can be found at 42 C.F.R. 489.18. If the purchaser (or lessee) elects not to accept a transfer of the provider agreement, then the old agreement should be terminated and the purchaser or lessee is considered a new applicant.

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SECTION 1: BASIC INFORMATION (Continued)

Acquisition/Merger

An acquisition/merger occurs when a currently enrolled Medicare provider is purchasing or has been purchased by another enrolled provider. Only the purchaser’s Medicare Identification Number and tax identification number remain.

Acquisitions/mergers are different from CHOWs. In the case of an acquisition/merger, the seller/former owner’s Medicare Identification Number dissolves. In a CHOW, the seller/former owner’s provider number typically remains intact and is transferred to the new owner.

Consolidation

A consolidation occurs when two or more enrolled Medicare providers consolidate to form a new business entity.

Consolidations are different from acquisitions/mergers. In an acquisition/merger, two entities combine but the Medicare Identification Number and tax identification number (TIN) of the purchasing entity remain intact. In a consolidation, the TINs and Medicare Identification Numbers of the consolidating entities dissolve and a new TIN and Medicare Identification Number are assigned to the new, consolidated entity.

Because of the various situations in which a CHOW, acquisition/merger, or consolidation can occur, it is recommended that the provider contact its fee-for-service contractor or its CMS Regional Office if it is unsure as to whether such a transaction has occurred. The provider should also review the applicable federal regulation at 42 C.F.R. 489.18 for additional guidance.

Change of Information

A change of information should be submitted if you are changing, adding, or deleting information under your current tax identification number. Changes in your existing enrollment data must be reported to the Medicare fee-for-service contractor in accordance with 42 C.F.R. 424.516(e).

NOTE: Ownership changes that do not qualify as CHOWs, acquisitions/mergers, or consolidations should be reported here. The most common example involves stock transfers. For instance, assume that a business entity’s stock is owned by A, B, and C. A sells his stock to D. While this is an ownership change, it is generally not a formal CHOW under 42 C.F.R. 489.18. Thus, the ownership change from A to D should be reported as a change of information, not a CHOW. If you have any questions on whether an ownership change should be reported as a CHOW or a change of information, contact your fee-for- service contractor or CMS Regional Office.

If you are already enrolled in Medicare and are not receiving Medicare payments via EFT, any change to your enrollment information will require you to submit a CMS-588 application. All future payments will then be made via EFT.

Revalidation

CMS may require you to submit or update your enrollment information. The fee-for-service contractor will notify you when it is time for you to revalidate your enrollment information. Do not submit a revalidation application until you have been contacted by the fee-for-service contractor.

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SECTION 1: BASIC INFORMATION (Continued)

A. Check one box and complete the required sections

REASON FOR APPLICATION

BILLING NUMBER INFORMATION

□ You are a new enrollee in

Enter your Medicare Identification

Medicare

Number (if issued) and the NPI you

 

would like to link to this number in

 

Section 4.

REQUIRED SECTIONS

Complete all applicable

sections except 2F, 2G, and 2H

You are enrolling with another fee- for-service contractor’s jurisdiction

You are reactivating your

Medicare enrollment

You are voluntarily terminating

your Medicare enrollment

There has been a Change of

Ownership (CHOW) of the

Medicare-enrolled provider

You are the:

Seller/Former Owner

Buyer/New Owner

Your organization has taken part in an Acquisition or Merger

Enter your Medicare Identification Number (if issued) and the NPI you would like to link to this number in Section 4.

Effective Date of Termination:

Medicare Identification Number(s) to

Terminate (if issued):

National Provider Identifier (if issued):

Tax Identification Number:

Medicare Identification Number of the Seller/Former Owner (if issued):

Complete all applicable

sections except 2F, 2G, and 2H

Complete sections:

1,2B1,13, and either 15 or 16

Seller/Former Owner: 1A,

2F, 13, and either 15 or 16

Buyer/New Owner: Complete all sections

except 2G and 2H

Seller/Former Owner: 1A,

2G, 13, and either 15 or 16

You are the:

 

□ Seller/Former Owner

NPI:

□ Buyer/New Owner

 

 

Tax Identification Number:

Buyer/New Owner:

1A, 2G, 4,13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and 6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has not been established for this provider.

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SECTION 1: BASIC INFORMATION (Continued)

A. Check one box and complete the required sections

□ Your organization has

Medicare Identification Number of the

Former Organizations:

Consolidated with another

Seller/Former Owner (if issued):

1 A, 2H, 13, and either 15

 

organization

 

or 16

You are the:

NPI:

New Organization:

□ Former organization

 

Complete all sections

□ New organization

Tax Identification Number:

except 2F and 2G

 

 

□ You are changing your Medicare

Medicare Identification Number

Go to Section IB

information

(if issued):

 

 

 

 

NPI:

 

□ You are revalidating your

Enter your Medicare Identification

Complete all applicable

Medicare enrollment

Number (if issued) and the NPI you

sections except 2F, 2G,

 

would like to link to this number in

and 2H

 

Section 4.

 

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SECTION 1: BASIC INFORMATION (Continued)

B. Check all that apply and complete the required sections:

REQUIRED SECTIONS

Identifying Information1,2 (complete only those sections that are changing), 3,13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and Section 6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has not been established for this provider.

Adverse Legal Actions/Convictions 1,2B1,3,13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and Section 6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has not been established for this provider.

Practice Location Information, 1,2B1,3,4 (complete only those sections that are

Payment Address & Medical Record

changing), 13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized

Storage Information

official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and Section

 

6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has

 

not been established for this provider.

□ Ownership Interest and/or Managing

1,2B1,3,5,13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized

Control Information (Organizations)

official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and Section

 

6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has not

 

been established for this provider.

□ Ownership Interest and/or Managing

1,2B1,3,6,13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized

Control Information (Individuals)

official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and Section

 

6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has not

 

been established for this provider.

Chain Home Office Information 1,2B1,3,7,13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and Section 6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has not been established for this provider.

Billing Agency Information1,2B1,3,8 (complete only those sections that are changing), 13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and Section 6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated official has not been established for this provider.

Special Requirements for Home 1,2B1,3,12,13, and either 15 (if you are the authorized

Health Agencies

official) or 16 (if you are the delegated official), and

 

Section 6 for the signer if that authorized or delegated

 

official has not been established for this provider.

□ Authorized Official(s)

1,2B1,3,6,13, and 15.

□ Delegated Official(s) (Optional)

1,2B1,3,6,13,15, and 16.

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SECTION 2: IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

______________________________________ NEW ENROLLEES_____________________________________

Submit separate CMS-855A enrollment applications if the types of providers for which this

application is being submitted are separately recognized provider types with different rules regarding Medicare participation. For example, if a provider functions as both a hospital and an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facility, the provider must complete two separate enrollment applications (CMS-855A) — one tor the hospital and one for the ESRD facility. If a hospital performs multiple types of services, only one enrollment application (CMS-855A) is required.

For example, a hospital that has a swing-bed unit need only submit one enrollment application (CMS- 855A). This is because the provider is operating as a single provider type —a hospital—that happens to have a distinct part furnishing different/additional services.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT NOTES

If you are adding a psychiatric or rehabilitation unit to a hospital, check the appropriate subcategory under the “Hospital” heading. (A separate enrollment for the psychiatric/rehabilitation unit is not required). The unit should be listed as a practice location in Section 4.

If you are adding a home health agency (HHA) branch, list it as a practice location in Section 4. A separate enrollment application is not necessary.

If you are changing hospital types (e.g., general hospital to a psychiatric hospital), indicate this in Section 2. A new/separate enrollment is not necessary.

If you are adding an HHA sub-unit (as opposed to a branch), this requires an initial enrollment application for the sub-unit.

If the hospital will focus on certain specialized services, the applicant should analyze whether the facility will be a general hospital or will fall under the category of a specialty hospital. A specialty hospital is defined as a facility that is primarily engaged in cardiac, orthopedic, or surgical care. Based upon Diagnosis Related Group/Major Diagnosis Category (DRG/MDC) and type (medical/surgical), the applicant should project all inpatient discharges expected in the first year of the hospital's operation. Those applicants that project that 45% or more of the hospital's inpatient cases will fall in either cardiac (MDC-5), orthopedic (MDC-8), or surgical care should check the Hospital—Specialty Hospital block in Section 2A2.

Physician-owned hospital means any participating hospital (as defined in 42 CFR § 489.24) in which a physician, or an immediate family member of a physician has an ownership or investment interest in the hospital. The ownership or investment interest may be through equity, debt, or other means, and includes an interest in an entity that holds an ownership or investment interest in the hospital. This definition does not include a hospital with physician ownership or investment interests that satisfy the requirements at 42 CFR § 411.356(a) or (b). (NOTE: Physician-owned hospitals have additional reporting requirements explained in Section 5 and Section 6 of this application.)

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Document Specifications

Fact Name Description
Application Purpose The CMS 855A form is used by institutional providers to enroll in the Medicare program or to make changes to their enrollment information.
Eligibility This form should be completed by various health care organizations, including hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and home health agencies, among others.
Submission Requirements Applicants must provide legible information, attach supporting documents, and send the application to their designated Medicare fee-for-service contractor to avoid delays.
Legal Basis The submission and processing of the CMS 855A form are governed by federal regulations, specifically 42 C.F.R. 424.516 and 42 C.F.R. 489.18.

Steps to Filling Out Cms 855A

Filling out the CMS 855A form is a necessary step for institutional providers seeking to enroll in the Medicare program or make changes to their enrollment information. Following the guidelines accurately will help ensure your application is processed without unnecessary delays.

  1. Gather necessary information: Before you start, collect all relevant documentation, including your legal business name, National Provider Identifier (NPI), Medicare Identification Number, and details about your organization.
  2. Read the instructions carefully: Ensure you understand each section of the form before proceeding.
  3. Type or print clearly: Use black or blue ink and avoid pencils. Make sure your handwriting is legible.
  4. Complete Section 1: Provide your basic information, including whether you are a new enrollee or an existing provider. Follow the prompts to indicate any applicable changes.
  5. Move to Section 2: Fill in the legal business name exactly as it appears on your tax documents, along with the correspondence address.
  6. Enter your NPI: Include your NPI in the specified sections and ensure that it is the correct type for your organization.
  7. Complete additional sections: Provide any other required information pertaining to your organization, ownership, and management structure.
  8. Report additional entries: If necessary, duplicate and complete sections for each additional entry you need to report.
  9. Attach supporting documentation: Collect and include all documents required by the form, as specified in page 52 of the instructions.
  10. Review for accuracy: Double-check all entries for completeness and accuracy. Ensure correct signatures are included.
  11. Keep a copy: Make a copy of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records.
  12. Send your application: Mail the application to your designated Medicare fee-for-service contractor, ensuring it is sent to the correct address provided on the CMS website.

More About Cms 855A

What is the CMS 855A form used for?

The CMS 855A form is specifically designed for institutional providers to apply for enrollment in the Medicare program or to report changes to existing enrollment information. This includes various health care organizations such as hospitals, community mental health centers, and skilled nursing facilities. Providers can choose to complete the application using the paper form or the Internet-based PECOS system.

Who needs to complete the CMS 855A form?

Institutional providers, such as hospitals, hospice organizations, or rehabilitation facilities, are required to complete this form to initiate the enrollment process. If an organization plans to bill Medicare for Part A medical services or report a change in existing enrollment data, they must submit the CMS 855A form or use the PECOS system to do so.

What information is needed to complete the CMS 855A form?

To complete the CMS 855A form, you will need to provide detailed organizational information, including the legal business name, address, National Provider Identifier (NPI), and specifics related to the services offered. Additionally, you must attach all required supporting documentation, especially if you are reporting changes in ownership or other significant modifications.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when submitting the CMS 855A form?

Common mistakes that can cause delays include not filling out all required sections, mismatched business names on the application and tax documents, and failing to provide the correct NPI. It's crucial to ensure signatures are from the authorized individuals and that you include all necessary supporting documentation when submitting the form.

How long does the enrollment process take after submitting the CMS 855A form?

The enrollment process can vary in duration. Generally, after submitting the completed CMS 855A application and all supporting documents, the fee-for-service contractor reviews your application. A survey may be conducted by the State agency, which adds to the timeframe. It is advisable to follow up with the contractor for estimated processing times.

What should be done if changes occur after submitting the CMS 855A form?

If changes occur, such as a change in ownership or a significant modification to your operations, these must be reported within specific timeframes. Generally, changes should be reported within 90 days, and ownership changes must be reported within 30 days. Failing to do so can affect your Medicare billing privileges.

Where should the completed CMS 855A application be sent?

Send the completed CMS 855A application, with original signatures and all required documentation, to the designated Medicare fee-for-service contractor that services your state. You can find the correct mailing address on the CMS website under the Medicare Provider Enrollment section.

Common mistakes

  1. Skipping Necessary Sections: Each section of the CMS 855A form must be completed thoroughly. Omitting any required section can lead to application delays or even outright rejections.

  2. Wrong Signature: The application must be signed by the correct person. Often, applications are mistakenly signed by individuals who are not authorized to do so, which can cause complications in processing.

  3. Incorrect Business Name: It is crucial that the legal business name in Section 2 matches the name on tax documents. Discrepancies in this information can result in significant processing delays.

  4. Inaccurate Dates: When entering dates, ensure they are accurate and reflect the correct information regarding your provider status. Errors in this area can create confusion and delay the process.

  5. Neglecting to Provide Supporting Documentation: All required supporting documents must accompany the application. Failure to include these documents can lead to the application being returned and necessitating resubmission.

  6. Ignoring the NPI Requirement: Providers must have a National Provider Identifier (NPI) prior to completing the CMS 855A. Forgetting to obtain an NPI before submitting the application can stall the entire enrollment process.

Documents used along the form

The CMS 855A form is essential for institutional providers seeking to enroll in Medicare or update their existing information. Along with this primary form, there are several other important documents that are often required to ensure a smooth enrollment process. Below is a brief overview of additional forms and documents commonly used together with the CMS 855A.

  • National Provider Identifier (NPI) Application: This application is necessary for healthcare providers to obtain a unique health identifier assigned by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System. Providers must have an NPI before enrolling in Medicare or making changes to their enrollment details.
  • Medicare Provider Agreement: This is a contract between a healthcare provider and Medicare, confirming that the provider agrees to follow Medicare regulations and billing procedures. It is signed once the provider is approved for Medicare participation.
  • Supporting Documentation: This includes various documents required to validate the information on the CMS 855A form, such as proof of ownership, tax identification number, and any relevant licensing or accreditation documents that demonstrate compliance with federal regulations.
  • Change of Ownership Documentation: In cases where a Medicare provider is sold or leased to another organization, documentation that outlines the transfer of the Medicare Identification Number and any existing liabilities is required. This ensures that the new owner is properly enrolled and compliant with Medicare rules.

Understanding these accompanying forms and documents can greatly assist in navigating the Medicare enrollment process. Proper preparation and submission of all related paperwork will help avoid any delays and ensure timely enrollment for institutional providers.

Similar forms

The CMS-855B form is designed for individual health care practitioners and suppliers who wish to enroll in the Medicare program. Similar to the CMS-855A, this application captures essential information needed for Medicare enrollment, such as the provider's National Provider Identifier (NPI) and billing details. Practitioners completing this form must adhere to similar submission guidelines and procedures as institutional providers do with the CMS-855A. Both applications serve the fundamental purpose of facilitating Medicare participation, albeit for different types of providers.

The CMS-855I form is intended specifically for individual providers not operating as organizations. Just like the CMS-855A, the CMS-855I ensures that the enrolling provider presents relevant information regarding their qualifications, location, and billing capabilities. The structure of the information requested aligns closely with the CMS-855A, ensuring consistency within the enrollment process across provider types. Both forms share critical similarities in requiring detailed documentation to support enrollment claims.

The CMS-588 form relates to electronic funds transfer for Medicare payments. While it does not serve as an enrollment application per se, it complements the CMS-855A by facilitating the financial aspect of Medicare participation. Providers complete the CMS-588 to ensure payments are deposited directly into their bank accounts, thereby streamlining the billing and payment process. Both forms share a mutual goal of ensuring that Medicare providers receive appropriate compensation for services rendered.

The CMS-116 form is used by providers that seek Medicare certification for home health agencies and other similar organizations. While the CMS-855A focuses on enrollment into Medicare, the CMS-116 addresses compliance and certification requirements. Both documents interact in the overarching Medicare framework. As such, a provider may need to complete the CMS-855A for enrollment and the CMS-116 to obtain the necessary certification for operating under Medicare standards.

The CAQH ProView form is utilized primarily for credentialing purposes across various health insurance payers. Although its primary function varies from the CMS-855A, its role in gathering provider information aligns closely with Medicare’s enrollment objectives. Both forms seek to verify the accuracy and consistency of practitioner details, helping to ensure that billing, payment, and compliance are handled appropriately. Submissions to CAQH may elucidate information that is also requested in the CMS-855A, creating a streamlined credentialing process.

The Form W-9 is a request for taxpayer identification number and certification form. While it primarily serves tax purposes, healthcare providers must submit this form to ensure compliance regarding their identification for IRS purposes. This is unlike the CMS-855A, which primarily focuses on Medicare enrollment. However, both forms are crucial for establishing a provider's legal identity and ensuring that the necessary requirements for proper billing and tax reporting are met by healthcare practitioners.

Dos and Don'ts

Things You Should Do When Filling Out the CMS 855A Form:

  • Type or print all information clearly, avoiding pencil.
  • Attach all required supporting documentation.
  • Keep a copy of the completed application for your records.
  • Send the application to the correct Medicare fee-for-service contractor.
  • Ensure the legal business name matches tax documents.
  • Enter all applicable dates and accurate information.
  • Use the appropriate NPI for sole proprietors or organizations.
  • Have the correct person sign the application.

Things You Shouldn't Do When Filling Out the CMS 855A Form:

  • Do not use illegible handwriting or pencil.
  • Do not forget to report additional information in the correct sections.
  • Do not send incomplete applications.
  • Do not disregard deadlines for reporting changes.
  • Do not send the application to the wrong contractor.
  • Do not omit required supporting documents.
  • Do not leave sections blank that require information.
  • Do not sign the application if you are not authorized to do so.

Misconceptions

Understanding the CMS 855A form is crucial for institutional providers wishing to enroll in Medicare. Unfortunately, several misconceptions can create confusion and impede the enrollment process. Here are four of the most common misconceptions:

  • Only new providers need to submit the CMS 855A form. Many believe that the CMS 855A is only required for new applicants. In reality, existing providers must also submit this form when reporting changes to their Medicare enrollment information.
  • Applying for an NPI is the same as enrolling in Medicare. Another misconception is that obtaining a National Provider Identifier (NPI) is part of the Medicare enrollment process. This is incorrect; the NPI application is a separate process that providers must complete before or while enrolling in Medicare.
  • The application must be submitted in person. Some providers think they need to submit the application in person at a Medicare office. However, the CMS 855A can be sent directly to the designated Medicare fee-for-service contractor. Mail submission is sufficient.
  • The CMS 855A approval process is automatic. There is a belief that once the CMS 855A is submitted, approval is guaranteed. This is not true; the application goes through several review stages before approval, and providers must ensure all information is accurate and complete to enhance the chances of approval.

By clarifying these misconceptions, providers can navigate the Medicare enrollment process more effectively and ensure timely access to benefits.

Key takeaways

The CMS 855A form is essential for institutional providers looking to enroll in the Medicare program. Here are key takeaways to remember when filling out and using this form:

  • Who Should Use It: This form is specifically for institutional providers such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.
  • Internet Option: Providers have the choice to either complete the CMS 855A on paper or use the Internet-based PECOS system.
  • Supporting Documents: Always attach the required supporting documentation outlined on page 52 of the application.
  • National Provider Identifier: Obtain and include your NPI, as it is necessary for enrollment and billing.
  • Legibility Counts: Fill out the form clearly by typing or printing. Avoid using pencil.
  • Enrollment Changes: Report changes in enrollment information within 90 days, especially for ownership changes, which must be reported within 30 days.
  • Correct Signatures: Ensure that the appropriate person signs the application to avoid delays.
  • Documentation Requests: Be prepared for potential requests from your fee-for-service contractor for additional documentation during the enrollment process.
  • Mailing Application: Verify the correct fee-for-service contractor’s address to send your completed application and documents.
  • Keep Copies: Retain a copy of your application and all supporting materials for your records.

By following these takeaways, providers can streamline their enrollment process and avoid common pitfalls associated with the CMS 855A form.