by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Oct 3rd, 2014 - Reviewed/Updated Jan 30th
Submitting the CMS-855 Enrollment Application and Billing Effective Date Changes
As of May 14, 2012, the billing effective date can be made retroactive as far back as 30 calendar days from the date the application was received in Medicare's office.
Provider offices must submit the CMS 855 form as soon as the provider begins seeing Medicare patients to ensure their services will be processed by Medicare. With CR7797, the CM-855 form can be now submitted up to 60 days in advance of the provider seeing Medicare patients.
Providers that get Medicare certification (such as Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Portable X-ray suppliers) can submit their applications up to 180 days in advance of seeing Medicare patients. To expedite the application process, the application can be submitted online at https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov/pecos/login.do on the CMS website also known as "Internet Based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS).
"The effective date of an online application can be made retroactive as far back as 30 calendar days from the date the printed certification statement is received in our office. Providers may also use the e-signature option for PECOS web applications".
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About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.