Outpatient Physical Therapy (OPT)/Speech Pathology Providers

Outpatient Physical Therapy (OPT)/Speech Pathology Providers

  • This page is designed to assist providers through the federal certification process, as well as provide additional resources to maintain compliance.

State Licensing

  • State licensing is not required for OPT/speech pathology CMS certified providers. Individual health professionals should check on licensure requirements with the Bureau of Professional Licensing.

Federal Certification (Participating in Medicare/Medicaid)

  • Important Note: The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has suspended some survey activities in order to prepare for the protentional threat of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). CMS issued Quality, Safety & Oversight (QSO) Memos with details and guidance for infection control and prevention: QSO-20-13-Hospitals, QSO-20-14-NH, QSO-20-15 Hospital/CAH/EMTALA, QSO-20-16-Hospice, QSO-20-17-All, QSO-20-18-HHA, QSO-20-19-ESRD, QSO-20-20-All, QSO-20-22-ASC,CORF,OPT,RHC/FQHCs, QSO-20-24-ASC, QSO-20-28-NH

  • OPT/speech pathology providers may apply for certification to participate in the Medicare/Medicaid programs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) contracts with LARA to evaluate compliance with the federal regulations by conducting certification surveys and complaint investigations.

    FEDERAL CERTIFICATION PROCESS

    For initial certification or change of ownership:

    • Complete Provider Enrollment Application (CMS-855A) and submit to Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)/Federal Fiscal Intermediary (FI).

    • Complete and submit to BCHS:

      • An e-mail confirming a successful electronic submission of your Civil Rights Clearance for Medicare Provider Certification from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
      • Two (2) signed originals Health Insurance Benefit Agreement (CMS-1561)

      • One (1) signed original Request for Certification in the Medicare and/or Medicaid Program to Provide Outpatient Physical Therapy and/or Speech Pathology Services (CMS-1856)

    Contact Accrediting Organization (AO) to schedule survey (for initial certification only)

    For address changes:

    • Notify the Regional Office of CMS in writing of its intention to move 90 days prior to relocation
    • Complete Provider Enrollment Application (CMS-855A) and submit to MAC/FI

    * Note-a survey must be completed for all primary site address change

    For extension site application (one application packet per site):

    • Complete Provider Enrollment Application (CMS-855A) and submit to MAC/FI.
    • Complete Extension Site Application (BCHS-SHCS-805) and submit to BCHS.

     

    For a change in administrator, please email BCHS_FedDivision@michigan.gov the following:

    • Facility name, address, and provider #
    • New administrator full name
    • Effective start date of administrator

  • Federal Reciprocal Agreements - For a federally certified provider in Michigan to provide services in another state, the provider must be federally certified in the other state or the provider must be recognized under a CMS-approved Reciprocal Agreement between the State of Michigan and the other applicable state.  Michigan has no reciprocal agreement with Indiana, Ohio or Wisconsin for Outpatient Physical Therapy (OPT)/Speech Pathology services.  In short, federally certified OPT/Speech Pathology providers in Michigan cannot offer services within a neighboring state unless certified as a provider within that state.

Contact Information

  • Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
    Bureau of Community & Health Systems - Federal Certification
    611 W. Ottawa Street
    PO Box 30664
    Lansing, MI 48909

    Phone: 517-284-8953
    FAX: 517-241-3354

Resources