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Answers to frequently asked questions.

What is PECOS?
The Provider, Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) is a database where providers register with CMS, as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which establishes that all physicians who order and refer home health services or supplies for Medicare patients must be enrolled in the PECOS program.
Which types of providers are required to enroll in PECOS?
According to CMS, only physicians and certain types of non-physician practitioners are eligible to order or refer items or services for Medicare beneficiaries. They are as follows:
- Physicians (doctor of medicine or osteopathy, doctor of dental medicine, doctor of dental surgery, doctor of podiatric medicine, doctor of optometry, optometrists may only order and refer DMEPOS products/services and laboratory and X-Ray services payable under Medicare Part B.)
- Physician Assistants
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Clinical Psychologists
- Interns, Residents, and Fellows
- Certified Nurse Midwives
- Clinical Social Workers
The following limitations are observed:
- Chiropractors are not eligible to order or refer supplies or services for Medicare beneficiaries. All services ordered or referred by a chiropractor will be denied.
- Optometrists may only order and refer DMEPOS products/services, and laboratory and X-Ray services payable under Medicare Part B.
- Home health services must be ordered or referred by a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). The physician who orders/refers a patient for home health care must be enrolled in the Medicare program, and have an enrollment record in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS).
  
  Note:
  Section 3708 of the CARES Act allows a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant who is working in accordance with State law to order or refer home health services. This applies to claims with a claim through date on or after March 1, 2020.
How often are PECOS enrollment records updated?
CMS updates the physician enrollment records twice a week. During each update, some records are added or removed from the PECOS database. At we make sure our information is kept updated and synchronized with CMS on a daily basis.
How are the similar providers based on ZIP code selected?
Similar providers shown on the Provider page are randomly selected based on the ZIP code for the main provider being displayed.

How can we help?

What is PECOS?

Which types of providers are required to enroll in PECOS?

How often are PECOS enrollment records updated?

How are the similar providers based on ZIP code selected?