Endocrine Insider
May 26, 2010

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Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an interim final rule mandating that all physicians who order or refer imaging, laboratory, and specialist services must be enrolled in Medicare with their enrollment information in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) by July 6¸ 2010.  The enrollment date for these physicians was unexpectedly moved up from January 3, 2011, though CMS had previously mandated the July 6 date for physicians who order or refer home health services or durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).  While changes to Medicare provider and supplier enrollment, ordering and referring, and documentation requirements did occur under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) passed this spring, PPACA mandates the July 2010 deadline only for physicians who either order or refer DMEPOS or home health services. 

Physicians should contact their Medicare contractor or hospital administration for information on ensuring their enrollment in the Medicare program and PECOS system. Additional information on PECOS can be found on the CMS website. The Endocrine Society, the American Medical Association, and other medical specialty societies will continue to work together on this issue and press CMS for delayed implementation. Stay tuned to future issues of Endocrine Insider for updates.