With the Physician Payment Sunshine Act period of reporting for 2013 drawing to a close end, it will be critical for all stakeholders to ensure compliance with the final regulations as well as accuracy in their reporting. One important aspect of Sunshine reporting is information about physicians (“covered recipients”) that applicable manufacturers and applicable group organizations are required to obtain from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES).
Back in June of this year, we discussed a report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which found that the accuracy of the NPPES database was largely inaccurate.
Consequently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the NPPES database, recently announced an upcoming workshop regarding changes and information about the NPPES, as well as the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and the electronic health record (EHR) meaningful use program.
Specifically, CMS will be hosting a conference call on Friday, November 15; 2-3:30 ET, through its Medicare Learning Network or MLN. Click here to register.
Target Audience: All Medicare fee for service (FFS) providers, as well as Professionals and Hospitals eligible for the Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program
In announcing the National Provider Call, CMS noted that “Changes have been made to simplify the way providers and suppliers access PECOS, the EHR Incentive Program, and the NPPES.
“These updates, available since October 7, improve the user experience when registering as an individual practitioner, authorized or delegated official of an organization, or someone working within PECOS on behalf of a provider or supplier (also known as a surrogate).” This MLN Connects Call will provide detailed instructions on these changes. The new process will:
- Allow registered users to manage and reset their user ID and password online without calling a CMS Help Desk.
- Provide a simple and secure way for providers and suppliers to authorize individuals or groups of individuals to act on their behalf in PECOS and EHR.
- Allow designated authorized officials already on file with Medicare to be quickly approved to access PECOS without the need to submit documentation to CMS for verification prior to submitting the application.
- Allow organizations with potentially large numbers of credentialing or support staff to manage staff access to the various functions.
- Increase security to reduce the risk of provider identity theft and unauthorized access to systems.
Important Note: If you already have a user ID and password from NPPES, or currently access PECOS, NPPES, and/or EHR, your accounts will not be affected by this change. You can continue to use your established user ID and password to access the systems.
Agenda:
- Opening remarks
- Access Changes for PECOS, EHR, NPPES
- Question and Answer Session
Continuing education credit may be awarded for participation in certain MLN Connects Calls. Visit the Continuing Education Credit Information web page to learn more.