If you are planning to enroll in Medicare as a Speech-Language Pathologist, mark your calendar for next Tuesday, June 2nd.  That is the date that CMS will begin accepting applications.  Speech language pathologists will be able to submit claims to Medicare (outpatient therapy, Part B) beginning July 1, 2009.  In order to enroll in Medicare a speech-language pathologist must have an NPI number.  (If you don’t have an NPI number, this weekend is a good time to get that underway at the NPI website).

For a solo private practice use the Medicare 855i application.  If you are planning on a group, the group must also have an NPI number and apply as a Medicare group with the 855b application.  To join the group all speech-language pathologists must reassign their Medicare benefits to the group with the 855r application.

Applications submitting on the PECOS (Provider Enrollment Chain & Ownership System) internet system tend to be processed in a faster time frame.  It is a good idea to have information readily available when you start the process.

As a reference visit SLPPrivatePractice.com