CMS rolls out surrogate user program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released information about its surrogate user program, which is now available for use. The program authorizes individuals or organizations to work on behalf of physicians or group practices to enter and update information in Medicare systems, including the Medicare enrollment system (PECOS), National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) and Meaningful Use registration and attestation.

MGMA has worked closely with the agency to develop this program in a manner that will provide the most benefit to practices. The new program is voluntary and does not change existing requirements. Rather, it will allow new functionality for the practice to delegate responsibility to those who work on behalf of their group practice and/or the physicians in the group.

CMS has made available a demonstration video, quick reference guide and frequently asked questions about the new surrogate user program. It will also host a call on Nov. 15 to discuss this and other policy changes it believes will streamline access to PECOS, NPPES and the Meaningful Use program when registering as an individual practitioner, authorized or delegated official of an organization, or surrogate.

Information on the upcoming call:

Description:
Changes have been made to simplify the way providers and suppliers access the Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System (PECOS), the Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program, and the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES).These updates improve the user experience when registering as an individual practitioner, authorized or delegated official of an organization, or someone working within PECOS on behalf of a provider or supplier (also known as a surrogate). This MLN Connects Call provides detailed instructions on these changes.

The new process will:

• Allow registered users to manage and reset their user ID and password online without calling a CMS Help Desk.

• Provide a simple and secure way for providers and suppliers to authorize individuals or groups of individuals to act on their behalf in PECOS and EHR.

• Allow designated authorized officials already on file with Medicare to be quickly approved to access PECOS without the need to submit documentation to CMS for verification prior to submitting the application.

• Allow organizations with potentially large numbers of credentialing or support staff to manage staff access to the various functions.

• Increase security to reduce the risk of provider identity theft and unauthorized access to systems.

Important Note: If you already have a user ID and password from NPPES, or currently access PECOS, NPPES, and/or EHR, your accounts will not be affected by this change. You can continue to use your established user ID and password to access the systems.

When: Friday, November 15, 2013

Time:   2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Eastern Time

Target Audience: All Medicare FFS providers, as well as Professionals  and Hospitals eligible for the Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program.

Agenda:

Call Materials:
A link to the slide presentation will be posted to this page prior to the call. A link to the audio recording and written transcript of this call will be posted to this web page in approximately 2 weeks following the call.

Registration:
To register for an MLN Connects National Provider Call, please visit the CMS MLN Connects Upcoming Callsregistration website.