COMPLIANCE CORNER
By MALISA ROGAN
NSC Need-To-Know Tips for smoother enrollment processes during the pandemic and beyond
Editor’s Note: Readers of Compliance Corner are now eligible to earn two CE credits. After reading this column, simply scan the QR code or use the link on page 33 to take the Compliance Corner quiz. Receive a score of at least 80 percent, and AOPA will transmit the information to the certifying boards.
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HE NATIONAL SUPPLIER CLEARINGHOUSE (NSC) is the single organi-
zational entity responsible for issuing or revoking Medicare supplier billing privileges for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) continues to affect many aspects of enrollment. By sharing information, NSC hopes to make the enrollment process easier for everyone.
COVID-19 Updates
Due to the current pandemic PHE, the following waivers are in place regarding Medicare suppliers who are currently, or are in the process of enrolling as, DMEPOS suppliers: • Supplier Standard 9: Business phone, maintains a primary business telephone that is operating at the appropriate site listed under the name of the business locally or toll-free for beneficiaries. • Supplier Standard 30: Minimum hours of operation, except as specified in paragraph (c)(30)(ii) of this section, is open to the public a minimum of 30 hours per week.
In addition, NSC is resuming normal site visit activity; therefore, any enrollment application received will not be finalized until a site visit is conducted. Revalidations also have been suspended. Visit the CMS website and view the “Current Emergencies” page for more information.
Medicare Enrollment Application Fee
On Nov. 23, 2020, CMS issued a notice regarding the “Provider Enrollment Application Fee Amount for Calendar Year (CY) 2021.” Effective January 1, the CY 2021 application fee is $599 for institutional providers that are: 1. Initially enrolling in the Medicare or Medicaid program or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 2. Revalidating their Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP enrollment. 3. Adding a new Medicare practice location. This fee is required with any enrollment application submitted from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2021. (Note: As of Feb. 1, 2021, due to the COVID-19 PHE, enrollment fees will continue to be waived.)
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