Medicare Simplifies Provider Enrollment Form

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun using a simplified form intended to make it easier for physicians and other health care providers to become eligible for reimbursement for the care and services they provide Medicare beneficiaries. The new form permits applicants to fill out only those portions that are relevant to their practices. It is part of CMS’ Open Door Initiative to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and create a culture of responsiveness at CMS.

In addition, CMS has tightened its internal deadlines and now requires that 90% of applications be processed within 60 days and 99% within 120 days.