CMS/External Links

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2012 Deductible and Coinsurance(external link)

Regulation

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Website(external link)
    On this website, you will find a vast assortment of CMS resources, such as manuals, an acronym finder, MLN Matters articles, HIPAA information, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Frequently Asked Questions, and much more.
  • CMS Internet-Only Manual (IOM) System(external link)
    On this portion of the CMS website, you will have access to the entire CMS online manual system. The IOMs are a replica of the Agency's official record copy. They are CMS' program issuances, day-to-day operating instructions, policies, and procedures that are based on statutes, regulations, guidelines, models, and directives. The CMS program components, providers, contractors, Medicare Advantage organizations, and state survey agencies use the IOMs to administer CMS programs. They are also a good source of Medicare information for the general public.
  • CMS Transmittals(external link)
    Program transmittals are used to communicate new or changed policies, and/or procedures that are being incorporated into a specific CMS program manual. The cover page (or transmittal page) summarizes the new changed material, specifying what is changed.
  • CMS Manuals(external link)
    The CMS Online Manual System is used by CMS program components, partners, contractors, and State Survey Agencies to administer CMS programs. It offers day-to-day operating instructions, policies, and procedures based on statutes and regulations, guidelines, models, and directives.
  • Regulations & Guidance(external link)
    Visit this web page for Medicare regulations and guidance, including information on health insurance reform, HIPAA, and legislation.
  • Medicare Learning Network (MLN)(external link)
    This website was established in response to increased Medicare health care professional usage of the Internet as a learning resource. The MLN site includes interactive Web-based Medicare learning courses, Satellite broadcasts, quick-reference guides, publications and many other tools to keep you up-to-date on Medicare.
  • MLN Matters Articles(external link)
    MLN Matters is a series of national articles designed to inform the physician, provider, and supplier community about the latest changes to the Medicare Program (commonly referred to as Change Requests (CRs)). Articles are prepared in consultation with clinicians, billing experts, and CMS subject matter experts which are tailored in content and language to the specific provider type(s) affected by a particular Medicare change. Articles are developed to accompany recently released Medicare program instruction.
  • Federal Digital System(external link)
    The Federal Digital System provides official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.
  • CMS Quarterly Provider Update(external link)
    The Quarterly Provider Update is a comprehensive resource published by CMS on the first business day of each quarter. It is a listing of all non-regulatory changes to Medicare, including Program Memoranda, manual changes, and any other instructions that could affect providers. Regulations and instructions published in the previous quarter are also included in the Update. On this website, you can also sign up for the Quarterly Provider Update Listserv (electronic mailing list) to receive notification via your e-mail when regulations and program instructions are added throughout the quarter.
  • CMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)(external link)
    Check out the latest information on any topic through this useful CMS website. View subjects other providers have asked for clarification on, CMS responses, print or e-mail them to others, or submit your own questions. Check regularly for the most up-to-date FAQs.
  • CMS Listservs(external link)
    CMS Listservs offer a way for you to receive consistent and accurate information regarding recent news, policy changes, and updates. These electronic mailing lists enable you to receive e-mails about the latest CMS Fee-for-Service (FFS) initiatives. All that is required to subscribe is your name and a valid e-mail address, and you can start receiving electronic updates automatically! For more details, download the Fact Sheet from the CMS websiteAdobe Portable Document Format .

Coverage and Guidance

  • CMS Medicare Coverage Center(external link)
    This website contains a wealth of coverage information for your use. Several national databases are available on the site that allow you to search and view current and retired policies and coverage articles for any Medicare contractor, including Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS). In addition, you can access the minutes from the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee (MCAC) meetings, as well learn how the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) affected Medicare policy.
  • Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services Documentation Guidelines(external link)
    For detailed E/M guidelines please check out the "Documentation Guidelines - Evaluation and Management Services" from both 1995 and 1997.
  • Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services GuideAdobe Portable Document Format
    Provides E/M services information regarding medical record documentation, ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes, CPT codes, and key elements of service. For the 1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines for Evaluation and Management Services, see Chapter 5 of the Medicare Physician Guide on the CMS website.

Billing Resources

NPI (National Provider Identifier)

  • National Provider Identifier (NPI)(external link)
    On this website, all providers may apply for their National Provider Identifier through Fox Systems. This website also provides further information about the NPI. The NPI replaced previous versions of health care provider identifiers (e.g. UPIN) used in standard health care transactions.
  • CMS NPI Website(external link)
    If you bill Medicare for services, you need an NPI. Visit this web page for information on the NPI, including how to apply and educational resources.

Providers/Suppliers - General Information

  • CMS All Fee-For-Service Providers Information(external link)
    Looking for information based on your provider type? This page contains links to pages for Provider/Supplier Types, Provider/Supplier Resources, Educational Resources, and much more.
  • CMS Central Provider Page(external link)
    CMS wants to ensure providers and health care practitioners have quick access to accurate Medicare program information. In keeping with this goal, the provider-specific pages located on this site are a one-stop resource focused on the informational needs and interests of Medicare providers, including physicians and other practitioners.
  • CMS Outreach and Education(external link)
    Access information about CMS training, outreach and the Medicare Learning Network (MLN).
  • Medicare Advantage (MA)/ Part D Plan Directory(external link)
    This website is a direct link to the CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D directory. This directory contains a list of all MA and Part D plans with contract number and organization name.
  • Physicians Information Resource for Medicare(external link)
    A central Medicare resource for physicians, this website offers a Physician Listserv, information about participation in the Medicare program, an Advance Beneficiary Quick Reference Guide, HIPAA information, and many other useful tools for the provider community.
  • Provider/Supplier Enrollment Website(external link)
    Furnishes you with access to provider/supplier enrollment forms, specific requirements for provider/supplier types, manual instructions, troubleshooting, contact information, hot topics, and other pertinent information.

Coordination of Benefits and Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP)

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act)

Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)

MCPSS Media Kit 2011

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is conducting its annual administration of the Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS). The survey is designed to collect quantifiable data on provider satisfaction with the performance of your Medicare contractor. The MCPSS will be sent to a random sample of approximately 30,000 Medicare fee-for-service providers and suppliers. CMS is listening and wants to hear from you about the services provided by your Medicare contractor. If you are selected to participate, please take a few minutes and complete this important survey. To learn more about the MCPSS, please visit http://www.cms.gov/mcpss(external link) or https://www.mcpsstudy.org(external link).

Page Last Updated: Thursday, 05-Apr-2012 12:12:40 CDT