COLUMBIA, S.C.--In its latest newsletter, the National Supplier Clearinghouse introduced the Provider Transaction Access Number, an identifier that suppliers will use when contacting the NSC or the DME Medicare Administrative Contractors with general inquiries.
"Just when you thought there could not possibly be another acronym to memorize, here comes the PTAN," the NSC said.
The NSC explained that the PTAN--previously known as the supplier number or legacy number--will no longer be used in billing because CMS will soon require suppliers to bill Medicare using only their new National Provider Identifier, or NPI.
However, the NSC said it will continue to issue supplier numbers called PTANs that will be used "to access various IVR functions and should be referenced when submitting written inquiries to or contacting the NSC or DME MACs."
To access the newsletter, which also explains differences in the DMEPOS enrollment and accreditation processes, click here.