CMS recently announced that mandatory revalidation of Medicare information will begin in Summer 2009. Medicare enrollees will be required to revalidate every five years. Revalidation can also occur as a result of requesting a change to your Medicare information or the filing of a complaint. If Medicare contacts you for revalidation, you have approximately 60 days to respond to their request. If new documents are not submitted in this timeframe, CMS can impose a one to three year revocation of billing privileges before you could apply for billing privileges again!
In most instances, revalidation requires the completion of a new 855B, that lovely Medicare Enrollment form for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (and other Clinics/Group Practices). That also means submitting the required documentation. Sure, Medicare gives you the listing of required documents, but what about those last minute items that somtimes aren’t finalized by the time you submit your enrollment form? I’m talking about your state license, maybe your fax number, possibly even changes in your address! It is the providers responsbility to report any changes, and most have to be reported within 90 days of the change, 30 days for Change of Ownership. Revalidation does not require a new certification survey or provider agreement.
To prepare for revalidation there are two items in particular that should be reviewed:
If you are contacted regarding revalidation and don’t know where to start, or just need assistance completing the form and compiling the documentation, Ortmann Healthcare Consultants can help! We have been completing the 855B for our clients for years, let us put our experience to work for you! Call us at 803-252-7979.
Submitted by Jessica Miller, Director of Regulatory Affairs
