Medicare numbers

I am currently registered with Medicare as a provider, however, since leaving the last practice.. there are rules with how this transfers. Call Provider Enrollment to verify.

You get what's called a PTAN number (individual, and group) anytime you are employed at a practice. These numbers are no longer valid when you: start a different job, start your own office, etc... think of them as one time use numbers that never carry over.

Applying the second time around is easier, according to Medicare, since you're already in their system. What form to use depends on your situation:

• If you are going to be employed again, you just need to fill out Form 855R
• If you are going to start your own practice (where you are 100% owner), fill out form 855I
• If you are starting your own practice with a partner (50, 50 owners), fill out form 855B. Make sure to also apply for a Group NPI number

Since I'll be doing both. Working and starting my own practice I will have to fill out form 855R and 855B with my wife.