Physician

This chapter provides information about the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS), the Medicare Program, and organizations that impact the Medicare Program.
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
CMS is a Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) that administers and oversees the Medicare Program and a portion of the
Medicaid Program. CMS also regulates laboratory testing and surveys and certifies
Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Critical Access Hospitals,
nursing homes, health care agencies, intermediate care facilities for the mentally
retarded, and hospitals. CMS consists of a Central Office and 10 Regional Offices (RO).
The Central Office is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and provides operational direction
and policy guidance for the nationwide administration of the above programs. The ROs
are located in major cities throughout the U.S. and support the health care provider
community by:
Conducting outreach activities;
Establishing relationships with local and regional provider associations; and
Helping providers and suppliers resolve disputes they may have with
Contractors.
Where to Find Additional Information About the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services
To find additional information about CMS, visit
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/aboutcms.asp on the CMS website.
CMS awards contracts to organizations called Medicare Contractors who perform
claims processing and related administrative functions. Beginning in 2006, all Original
Medicare Plan claims processing Contractors (Fiscal Intermediaries, Carriers, and
Durable Medical Equipment Carriers) will be transitioned into Medicare Administrative
Contractors.
Medicare Contractor Contact Information
The Provider Call Center Toll-Free Numbers Directory, which contains Medicare
Contractor contact information, can be accessed in the Downloads Section at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo/30_contactus.asp on the CMS website.
Medicare Physician Guide: A Resource for Residents, Practicing Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals 7