March 23, 2020

CMS released its Frequently Asked Questions on Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief related to COVID-19 on March 22, which includes the toll-free hotlines available to provide expedited enrollment and answer questions about COVID-19 enrollment requirements.

As noted in the FAQs, CMS is exercising its 1135 waiver authority in the following ways:

Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners

• Establish toll-free hotlines to enroll and receive temporary Medicare billing privileges
• Waive the following screening requirements:
  
  
  • Criminal background checks associated with fingerprint-based criminal background checks (FCBC)—42 C.F.R 424.518 (to the extent applicable)
  • Site visits—42 C.F.R 424.517
  • Postpone all revalidation actions

All Other Providers and Suppliers (including DMEPOS)

• Expedite any pending or new applications
  
  
  • All clean web applications will be processed within 7 business days and all clean paper applications in 14 business days
• Waive the following screening requirements for all enrollment applications received on or after March 1, 2020:
  
  
  • Application Fee – 42 C.F.R. 424.514
  • Criminal background checks associated with the FCBC – 42 C.F.R. 424.518 (to the extent applicable)
  • Site-visits – 42 C.F.R. 424.517
  • Postpone all revalidation actions

Additionally, the FAQ addresses the process for physician and non-physician practitioners to initiate temporary Medicare billing privileges, including through an enrollment hotline, licensure, revalidation, and more.

For a complete and updated list of CMS actions, guidance, and other information in response to COVID-19, please visit the CMS' Current Emergencies Website

For all APMA COVID-19 resources, visit www.apma.org/COVID19.

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