Any ambulatory healthcare facility in the early stages of development should have Medicare Certification at the top of their to do list. The process of obtaining certification can be a lengthy one and ample time must be allotted to ensure completion. Calisher & Associates has helped countless facilities though the certification process and offers the following advice for facilities seeking Medicare certification.
Obtaining a National Provider Identifier (NPI) through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) is the first task in Medicare certification. This step can be expedited by going through the online system at NPPES.
Medicare enrollment through the state channel is the next step. Online enrollment can be completed through the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System or by filling out paper form 855b and filing it with the Medicare Administrative Contractor for your state. Enrollment with the state needs to be reevaluated every five years.
Conditions for Coverage (CFCs) is the next condition for certification. This requirement pertains to all aspects of an ASC including operations, facility design and patient services. ASCs also have two additional requirements that are needed for certification that include the Survey Procedures and Interpretive Guidelines for Life Safety Code Surveys and the Guidelines for Determining Immediate Jeopardy.
In addition to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the following private entities are also able to determine if an ASC has achieved compliance with all CFCs: The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Health Care Facilities Accrediting Program and the Joint Commission and the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.
Obtaining a National Provider Identifier (NPI) through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) is the first task in Medicare certification. This step can be expedited by going through the online system at NPPES.
Medicare enrollment through the state channel is the next step. Online enrollment can be completed through the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System or by filling out paper form 855b and filing it with the Medicare Administrative Contractor for your state. Enrollment with the state needs to be reevaluated every five years.
Conditions for Coverage (CFCs) is the next condition for certification. This requirement pertains to all aspects of an ASC including operations, facility design and patient services. ASCs also have two additional requirements that are needed for certification that include the Survey Procedures and Interpretive Guidelines for Life Safety Code Surveys and the Guidelines for Determining Immediate Jeopardy.
In addition to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the following private entities are also able to determine if an ASC has achieved compliance with all CFCs: The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Health Care Facilities Accrediting Program and the Joint Commission and the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.
