Medicare and PECOS

[Guest guest]

Just received notification from CAHABA that I don't have an enrollment record n

the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) because I

enrolled in Medicare prior to the implementation of PECOS and have not submitted

any updates to my Medicare enrollment information in the past six or more years.

The letter goes on to state:

" There are three important reasons why you should take the necessary action to

establish an enrollment record in PECOS as soon as possible. First, updating

your Medicare enrollment record will assist us in ensuring payment accuracy for

the services you furnish to Medicare beneficiaries. Second, you will need an

approved enrollment record in PECOS to continue to order or refer items or

services for Medicare beneficiaries. Finally, in accordance with the American

Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Title XIII, known as the " HITECH Act, "

incentive payments may be made by Medicare and Medicaid to enrolled " eligible

professionals " and certain hospitals that meet the HITECH requirements. More

information on Medicare HITECH incentive payments can be found at blah, blah,

blah.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will use the PECOS

enrollment records to verify Medicare enrollment for HITECH incentive payments.

Therefore, you will not be eligible to receive incentive payments from Medicare

for meaningful use of certified electronic health records if your enrollment

information is not maintained in PECOS by CMS.

Since you do not have a current Medicare enrollment record, it is imperative

that you immediately begin the process to establish your enrollment record in

PECOS. CMS expects you to do this as soon as possible after receiving this

letter. If you have already submitted an enrollment application within the last

60 days, and your enrollment application has been accepted.......

I had never heard of PECOS until this letter. What does anybody know about

PECOS? What has been your experience? Also, the letter seems to indicate that

I don't HAVE to do this but that it is EXPECTED of me. Any thoughts and/or

opinions?

Matt Capo, PT

Accelerated Physical Therapy and Occupational Health, Inc.

Bay St. Louis and Diamondhead, Mississippi