We say it a lot, but it really is important that you keep us informed of any changes with your facility(s) especially if you accept Medicare or third-party payers. If information reported by ABC does not match information that Medicare has on file for your facility, the processing of a revalidation or initial application, as well as claims processing, may be delayed. It could also send a red flag to Medicare. Third party payers often use the ABC online directory to verify that your facility is in good standing. If your facility isn’t listed, they are going to want to know why.

Currently, the most common issue we see is missing or incorrect NPI and PTAN numbers. The NSC will contact us when they cannot verify a facility because of those missing identification numbers. Often, this is a result of a facility opening a new affiliate location(s) and forgetting to tell the appropriate entities. If you are opening a new affiliate location, make sure to let us know as soon as possible. 

In addition to adding new affiliate location(s), please notify us if your facility has any of these other changes:

• Location moves
• Service changes (adding or removing a product category)
• Updates to identifying numbers (for example, new facilities may not have a Medicare number when they apply to ABC, but should inform us as soon as they receive their PTAN)

So, how long do you have to report your changes? Ideally, you should report them as soon as possible or at most within 30 days of the effective date of the change. This allows us to continue to have the most current and accurate information for your facility on file and on our report to Medicare.

Reporting changes is easy. If you are a Medicare supplier, you can manage your information through the online PECOS system. When reporting changes to ABC, you must do so in writing and within the before mentioned 30 days of the change. That can be as simple as sending an email to us at accreditation@abcop.org. Some changes, such as a location move, require that you complete a new application online. Be sure to refer to pages 20-22 of the Patient Care Facility Accreditation Guide for more information on how to report your facility changes.