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19.02.2013 Views

CMS-1403-FC technicality, forcing them to begin the application process all over again. Response: As stated above, to address the concern that enrollment applications are returned based on a technicality, we expect that physicians and NPPs using the Web process will significantly decrease the number the number of incomplete applications and the need for contractors to request additional information. With the implementation of this final rule, we would require contactor to deny, rather than reject paper or Web applications when a physician, NPP, or physician or NPP organization fails to cure any deficiencies/technicalities. Comment: One commenter stated that new physicians’ practices must begin paying rent, salaries and other expenses the minute they become operational, if not before. This commenter also stated that many of these physicians are already forced to take out loans to pay expenses in the early days of operation until they enroll and can bill for services furnished in the interim. Finally, this commenter stated that our proposal to limit retrospective billing to the later of the date of filing or the date the practice location is operational will inhibit the ability of physicians and NPPs to create their own organizations, and 248

CMS-1403-FC instead, it will force them to join already existing entities. Response: We do not believe that the Medicare program pays for services rendered prior to the date a new practice location is established. As described above, the physician or NPP would be allowed to file his or her enrollment application 30 days prior to the opening of new practice location and receive payments for services provided from the day the practice location was established or opened assuming that the physician met State licensing requirements and other Medicare program requirements at the time of filing and subsequently thereafter. Comment: One commenter urged CMS to withdraw any proposed changes to the enrollment process, but stated that they would consider supporting limiting retrospective billing to the later of the date of filing or the date the practice location is operational but only after Internet- based PECOS has been proven to facilitate timely enrollment processing (fewer than 30 days). Another commenter supported CMS implementing this requirement once the enrollment processing time is at a period of 30 to 45 days. Response: We do not believe that a change to the effective date of Medicare billing privileges has a nexus to the implementation of the Internet-based PECOS. 249

<strong>CMS</strong>-1403-FC<br />

instead, it will force them to join already existing<br />

entities.<br />

Response: We do not believe that the Medicare program<br />

pays for services rendered prior to the date a new practice<br />

location is established. As described above, the physician<br />

or NPP would be allowed to file his or her enrollment<br />

application 30 days prior to the opening of new practice<br />

location and receive payments for services provided from<br />

the day the practice location was established or opened<br />

assuming that the physician met State licensing<br />

requirements and other Medicare program requirements at the<br />

time of filing and subsequently thereafter.<br />

Comment: One commenter urged <strong>CMS</strong> to withdraw any<br />

proposed changes to the enrollment process, but stated that<br />

they would consider supporting limiting retrospective<br />

billing to the later of the date of filing or the date the<br />

practice location is operational but only after Internet-<br />

based PECOS <strong>has</strong> <strong>been</strong> proven to facilitate timely enrollment<br />

processing (fewer than 30 days). Another commenter<br />

supported <strong>CMS</strong> implementing this requirement once the<br />

enrollment processing time is at a period of 30 to 45 days.<br />

Response: We do not believe that a change to the<br />

effective date of Medicare billing privileges <strong>has</strong> a nexus<br />

to the implementation of the Internet-based PECOS.<br />

249

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