Medicare SNF Provider Enrollment Confirmation Site Visits are Increasing (SNF)

In the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule final rule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced a new requirement that skilled nursing facilities must undergo site visits by enrollment contractors.

Conducted by CMS-authorized contractors, the site visits are an essential part of the provider enrollment verification process. During these visits, the contractor takes photographs and gathers information to confirm that the facility is operational. The visits are unannounced, taking place Monday through Friday, with no visits occurring on weekends or holidays. After the visit, the contractor sends the photos and a brief report to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) within a few days to be added to the provider’s enrollment file.

While the implementation of these site visits was somewhat sporadic in 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in activity this summer. Many providers have expressed concern and confusion over the new process, particularly because they are unfamiliar with the contractors and subcontractors who are conducting the visits. The contractors often carry “official-looking” CMS letters and badges, which can be difficult to verify on the spot.

To confirm the validity of the inspectors, providers can contact their MAC using the CMS-provided contact list. It’s important to note that these site visits are not state surveys, nor are the contractors affiliated with state agencies. The contractors’ role is solely to verify the operational status of the SNF as part of the CMS provider enrollment process. You can find additional information here.