NSC Introduces the PTAN

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.