This article was reviewed against current CMS Medicare enrollment guidance and the April 29, 2026 CMS-855B revision. If you operate a U.S. group practice, clinic, or another organization that uses CMS-855B for Medicare enrollment, the 2026 revision is important.

CMS has revised the Medicare Enrollment Application for Clinics/Group Practices and Certain Other Suppliers, with the current CMS form page showing a revision date of April 29, 2026. CMS announced that Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) would accept both the previous and revised versions through August 2, 2026, with the revised application required for paper submissions beginning August 3, 2026.

The changes are particularly relevant to organizations handling Medicare reassignment, practitioner relationships, practice locations, telehealth-related locations, and Medicare enrollment updates.

This guide explains what changed, who needs CMS-855B, how the revised sections work, how CMS-855B relates to PECOS, and what U.S. healthcare organizations should review before submitting an application.

 

Quick Answer: What Changed With CMS-855B in 2026?

 

The revised CMS-855B introduces several important changes for organizations that use the form for Medicare enrollment. The most notable updates include:

• New reassignment functionality for groups

• Section 4H for reassignment information

• Section 15E for the individual practitioner's certification/signature

• A new submission reason related to Medicare enrollment solely for participation in Medicaid or another healthcare program

• New practice-location types for administrative and telehealth use

• Removal of the physician assistant employer relationship section

• Addition of Home Infusion Therapy as a supplier type

• Updates to ownership and managing-control information

• Other changes to enrollment and practice-location reporting

CMS specifically presented the reassignment, Medicaid/other-program enrollment reason, and new practice-location types as part of the 2026 CMS-855B revisions.

 

CMS-855B 2026 At-a-Glance

CMS's official forms page confirms the April 29, 2026 revision date and OMB information.

 

What Is CMS-855B?

 

CMS-855B is the Medicare enrollment application used by clinics, group practices, and certain other suppliers to enroll in Medicare or report applicable enrollment information. It is an organizational Medicare enrollment form. It is not the form every individual healthcare practitioner uses.

The current CMS form is specifically titled "Medicare Enrollment Application - Clinics/Group Practices and Certain Other Suppliers."

 

What Is CMS-855B Used For?

 

Organizations that need support with Medicare enrollment, PECOS submissions, documentation, or enrollment updates can also review TheCredentialing's Provider Enrollment & Credentialing Services.

Depending on the organization and transaction, CMS-855B may be used for:

• Initial Medicare enrollment

• Revalidation

• Changes to Medicare enrollment information

• Practice-location changes

• Ownership information

• Managing-control information

• Applicable reassignment transactions

• Other enrollment-related updates

The exact sections required depend on the organization and the reason for submitting the application.

 

Who Uses CMS-855B?

 

CMS currently identifies CMS-855B categories, including:

• ambulance service suppliers

• ambulatory surgical centers

• CLIA labs

• clinics/group practices

• home infusion therapy suppliers

• hospital departments

• independent clinical labs

• independent diagnostic testing facilities

• intensive cardiac rehabilitation suppliers

• mammography screening centers

• mass immunization roster billers

• opioid treatment programs

• pharmacies

• physical/occupational therapy groups in private practice

• portable X-ray suppliers

• radiation therapy centers

The correct Medicare enrollment form depends on the provider or supplier type.

 

What's New in the Revised CMS-855B for 2026?

 

The 2026 revision primarily changes how certain reassignment, practitioner, submission-reason, and practice-location information is reported.

 

1. Reassignment Information

One of the most important changes is the ability for groups to establish, terminate, or change applicable Medicare benefit reassignments through CMS-855B. CMS identified this as one of the major revisions to the form.

2. Section 4H

The revised application adds reassignment information in Section 4H. This allows the group or organization to report applicable information concerning an individual practitioner who is reassigning Medicare benefits to the organization.

3. Section 15E

The revised form includes a certification/signature section for the individual practitioner involved in the applicable reassignment. The current CMS-855B instructions specifically state that when establishing a new reassignment, Section 15E must be signed by the individual practitioner, along with the appropriate organization/group certification.

4. New Medicaid/Other Healthcare Program Submission Reason

CMS added a submission reason for an organization that is enrolling in Medicare solely to participate in Medicaid or another healthcare program. This is different from enrolling with the intention of billing Medicare.

5. New Practice-Location Types

The revised CMS-855B includes:

• Business Office for Administrative/Telehealth Use Only

• Home Office for Administrative/Telehealth Use Only

These options are particularly relevant to certain telehealth enrollment situations.

6. Physician Assistant Employer Relationship

The revised form removes the physician assistant employer relationship section identified in CMS's revision materials.

 

CMS-855B Reassignment Changes in 2026

The revised CMS-855B gives applicable groups a way to report Medicare benefit reassignment information directly through the group application.

What Is Medicare Reassignment?

Medicare reassignment allows an individual practitioner to assign the right to receive Medicare payment for covered services to an eligible organization or group. For example, a physician may work with a Medicare-enrolled group practice and reassign Medicare benefits to that group.

The reassignment connects the individual practitioner's Medicare enrollment with the organization's Medicare enrollment.

 

What Changed in 2026?

The 2026 CMS-855B revision adds reassignment functionality to the organizational application. CMS's revised workflow allows eligible groups to establish, terminate, or change applicable reassignment information through CMS-855B, while individual practitioners continue to use the applicable Medicare enrollment process, including CMS-855I, when required. Organizations should follow the current CMS instructions for the specific reassignment transaction.

CMS specifically states that groups can establish, terminate, or change reassignments using CMS-855B.

 

Who Is Affected?

The change is especially relevant to:

• Group practices

• Clinics

• Organizations employing or contracting with Medicare-enrolled practitioners

• Practices adding practitioners

• Practices terminating practitioner relationships

• Organizations changing reassignment information

 

CMS-855B Section 4H: Reassignment Information

Section 4H is used to report applicable reassignment information for an individual practitioner. The information should match the practitioner's Medicare enrollment records and the organization's information. Depending on the transaction, information may include practitioner identification and reassignment-related details.

The key relationship is:

• Individual Practitioner 

• Medicare Enrollment 

• Reassignment 

• Group Practice

For organizations adding multiple practitioners, each reassignment should be reviewed individually rather than assuming that one completed section covers the entire practitioner roster.

 

CMS-855B Section 15E: Practitioner Certification

Section 15E is the individual practitioner's certification/signature section associated with applicable reassignment transactions. CMS's current instructions state that when establishing a new reassignment, Section 15E must be signed by the individual practitioner, while the appropriate organization/group official must also complete the required certification. This matters because a group should not treat reassignment as an organization-only transaction.

The practitioner and organization each have responsibilities within the Medicare enrollment process.

 

Who Needs CMS-855B in 2026?

U.S. clinics, group practices, and certain other suppliers that fall within the CMS-855B enrollment category may need this form for Medicare enrollment or applicable enrollment transactions.

Examples can include:

• Physician group practices

• Non-physician practitioner group practices

• Clinics

• Certain laboratories

• Ambulatory surgical centers

• Portable X-ray suppliers

• Certain other Part B suppliers

The correct form should always be determined based on the organization's Medicare enrollment category.

 

Does CMS-855B Apply Across All U.S. States?

Yes. CMS-855B applies to eligible Medicare enrollment transactions across the United States. However, Medicare enrollment applications are processed by the applicable Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for the organization’s geographic jurisdiction. CMS states that the MAC is specific to the region where a provider or supplier practices and may request additional information during the enrollment process.

For a CMS-855B application, organizations should verify their applicable MAC and follow the contractor’s current enrollment and submission instructions.

 

Who Does NOT Use CMS-855B?

CMS-855B is not a universal Medicare enrollment form.

Individual Physicians and NPPs

Individual physicians and non-physician practitioners generally use CMS-855I for their individual Medicare enrollment.

Institutional Providers

Institutional providers generally use CMS-855A.

DMEPOS Suppliers

DMEPOS suppliers use CMS-855S.

Ordering and Certifying Professionals

Certain eligible ordering and certifying professionals use CMS-855O. The important distinction is that the organization's Medicare enrollment and the individual practitioner's Medicare enrollment are separate enrollment records.

 

CMS-855B vs CMS-855A vs CMS-855I vs CMS-855S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choosing the correct form is the first step. Submitting a well-completed application on the wrong form does not solve the underlying enrollment problem.

 

CMS-855B vs PECOS: What's the Difference?

CMS-855B is an enrollment application; PECOS is CMS's electronic system for Medicare enrollment.

Think of it this way:

CMS-855B = the enrollment application

PECOS = the electronic Medicare enrollment system

Eligible providers and suppliers can use PECOS to submit and manage applicable Medicare enrollment information electronically. TheCredentialing’s existing PECOS Enrollment Guide explains the broader PECOS enrollment process, including application preparation, documentation, MAC review, revalidation, and common enrollment errors.

CMS also encourages providers and suppliers to use PECOS for applicable enrollment transactions.

 

CMS-855B 2026 Requirements Checklist

Before starting a CMS-855B application, review the following information.

 

Organization Information

Prepare:

• Legal business name

• Tax Identification Number

• Type 2 NPI, when applicable

• Medicare identification information

• Business structure

• DBA information, when applicable

 

Practice Location Information

Review:

• Practice address

• Mailing address

• Telephone number

• NPI

• PTAN, if issued

• Primary practice location

• Location type

• Effective dates

• Applicable CLIA information

The current CMS-855B includes specific practice-location fields and location types.

 

Ownership and Managing Control

Depending on the organization, review:

• Direct ownership

• Indirect ownership

• Managing control

• Authorized officials

• Delegated officials

• Partnership information

 

Reassignment Information

When applicable:

• Practitioner name

• Practitioner NPI

• Relevant Medicare information

• Reassignment details

• Practice location

• Required practitioner certification

 

Supporting Documentation

Depending on the transaction and supplier type, documentation may include:

• Licenses

• Certifications

• Ownership documentation

• EFT information

• CLIA documentation

• Other supporting records requested by CMS or the MAC

 

How to Complete CMS-855B in 2026

The exact sections required vary by transaction. However, this is a practical workflow for U.S. organizations.

Step 1: Confirm That CMS-855B Is the Correct Form

First determine whether the organization belongs in the CMS-855B enrollment category. Do not assume that every Part B organization uses CMS-855B.

Step 2: Identify the Enrollment Transaction

Determine whether the application is for:

• Initial enrollment

• Revalidation

• Change of information

• Reassignment

• Another applicable Medicare enrollment transaction

Step 3: Verify NPI and Legal Information

Check the organization's:

• Legal name

• TIN

• NPI

• Medicare information

For organizations, the applicable Type 2 NPI is important. TheCredentialing's NPI Information Guide provides additional information about Type 1 and Type 2 NPIs and NPI data maintenance.

Step 4: Review Practice Locations

Verify every location being reported.

Check:

• Address

• ZIP code

• Telephone

• NPI

• PTAN

• Location type

• Effective dates

Step 5: Review Ownership Information

Make sure ownership and managing-control information is current.

Do not simply copy information from an old application without verifying it.

Step 6: Review Practitioner Relationships

If the organization is adding or changing practitioner relationships, determine whether reassignment reporting applies.

Step 7: Complete Section 4H When Applicable

For applicable reassignment transactions, complete Section 4H with the required practitioner information.

Step 8: Obtain Section 15E Certification

When establishing a new reassignment, obtain the individual practitioner's required Section 15E signature.

Step 9: Attach Required Documentation

Review the application for supporting documents before submission.

Step 10: Submit Through PECOS or the Applicable Paper Process

Eligible organizations can submit electronically through PECOS.

Paper filers should download the current CMS-855B from CMS and verify the revision date before submitting.

 

CMS-855B Paper Application vs PECOS

The most obvious practical difference is that PECOS is electronic, while a paper CMS-855B requires the organization to use the applicable CMS form and submit it through the MAC's paper process.

Factor	PECOS	Paper CMS-855B
Electronic submission	Yes	No
Online data entry	Yes	No
Supporting documentation	Electronic upload, when applicable	Submitted according to MAC instructions
Application tracking	Electronic	Depends on MAC process
Form-version concern	Lower	Verify current CMS form

CMS's June 2026 MLN Connects notice specifically instructed clinics, group practices, and other suppliers that do not use PECOS to begin using the revised CMS-855B starting August 3, 2026.

 

Common CMS-855B Mistakes That Can Delay Medicare Enrollment

A large portion of enrollment problems come from basic information inconsistencies rather than complicated Medicare rules.

1. Using an Old Form

For paper submissions after August 2, 2026, verify that you are using the current revised CMS-855B.

2. Mismatched Legal Name and NPI Information

The organization's legal information should align across the relevant Medicare and NPI records.

3. Incorrect NPI Type

Organizations generally use the applicable Type 2 NPI.

4. Missing Reassignment Information

If the transaction involves applicable reassignment activity, make sure the relevant sections are completed.

5. Missing Practitioner Certification

When required, Section 15E needs the individual practitioner's signature.

6. Incorrect Practice Location

Review every location carefully.

7. Outdated Ownership Information

Ownership and managing-control information should reflect the organization's current structure.

8. Missing Supporting Documentation

Review the CMS instructions and transaction-specific requirements before submission.

9. Incomplete Signatures

Make sure the appropriate individuals have signed the applicable certification sections.

10. Failing to Respond to MAC Requests

After submission, monitor communications from your Medicare Administrative Contractor.

 

How Long Does CMS-855B Processing Take?

There is no single CMS processing time that applies to every CMS-855B application.

The timeline can vary based on:

• Enrollment type

• Provider/supplier category

• Application completeness

• Documentation

• Screening requirements

• MAC workload

• Additional information requests

• Applicant response time

Be careful with websites that promise a fixed CMS-855B approval timeline. The more accurate approach is to prepare a complete application, submit it through the appropriate channel, and respond promptly to MAC requests.

 

What Happens After Submitting CMS-855B?

After submission, the application enters the Medicare enrollment process.

1. Submission

The organization submits the CMS-855B through PECOS or the applicable paper process.

2. MAC Review

The appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractor reviews the enrollment application.

3. Additional Information

The MAC may request clarification or additional documentation.

4. Applicant Response

The organization responds according to the MAC's instructions.

5. Enrollment Decision

The MAC completes the applicable Medicare enrollment determination.

6. Ongoing Maintenance

Medicare enrollment is not a one-time administrative task. Organizations must maintain accurate enrollment information and complete required revalidation and updates. If you are specifically trying to understand the Medicare provider number/PTAN that follows enrollment, see TheCredentialing's Medicare Provider Number Guide.

 

What Should Group Practices In The U.S. Do Now?

If your organization uses CMS-855B, the most useful action is to review your current enrollment workflow against the revised application.

Use this checklist:

• Confirm you are using the current CMS-855B

• Verify the April 29, 2026 revision date

• Confirm the legal business name

• Verify the TIN

• Verify the organization's NPI

• Review Medicare enrollment information

• Review every practice location

• Review ownership information

• Review managing-control information

• Identify applicable practitioner reassignments

• Complete Section 4H when required

• Obtain Section 15E certification when required

• Verify supporting documents

• Confirm all required signatures

• Submit through PECOS or the correct paper process

• Monitor MAC correspondence

This review is particularly important for group practices adding multiple practitioners or maintaining multiple Medicare practice locations.

 

Need Help With Medicare Provider Enrollment?

For a U.S. group practice, clinic, or other eligible organization, CMS-855B is only one part of Medicare provider enrollment. The application needs to match the organization's NPI, Medicare enrollment record, practice locations, ownership information, practitioner relationships, and supporting documentation.

If your organization needs assistance preparing and managing Medicare enrollment information, TheCredentialing's Provider Enrollment & Credentialing Services provides enrollment and credentialing support for U.S. healthcare organizations. The live service page specifically describes support involving applications, documentation, follow-ups, and PECOS/NPI-related workflows.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is the revised CMS-855B mandatory in 2026?

For paper submissions, CMS stated that MACs would accept the current and revised versions through August 2, 2026, and the revised application should be used beginning August 3, 2026.

 

What is the current CMS-855B revision date?

The CMS forms page currently lists April 29, 2026 as the revision date.

 

What is CMS-855B used for?

CMS-855B is the Medicare enrollment application for clinics, group practices, and certain other suppliers.

Does CMS-855B Have Nationwide Applicability?

Yes. CMS-855B applies nationwide, but applications are processed by the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) assigned to the provider’s geographic jurisdiction.
Organizations should confirm their applicable MAC and follow its current enrollment and submission requirements.

 

What is Section 4H on CMS-855B?

Section 4H is the reassignment section of the revised CMS-855B that allows groups to report applicable Medicare benefit reassignment information for individual practitioners. 

 

What is Section 15E on CMS-855B?

Section 15E is the individual practitioner's certification/signature section for applicable reassignment transactions.

 

Does CMS-855B replace CMS-855I?

No. CMS-855B and CMS-855I serve different enrollment purposes. CMS-855B is primarily for applicable organizations and group practices, while CMS-855I is used for individual physicians and non-physician practitioners.

 

Is CMS-855B the same as PECOS?

No. CMS-855B is an enrollment application. PECOS is CMS's electronic Medicare enrollment system.

 

Does an NPI give a group practice Medicare billing privileges?

No. An NPI identifies the provider or organization. Medicare enrollment and billing privileges are separate.

For more information, see the NPI Information Guide.

 

Can a group report reassignment on CMS-855B?

Yes. CMS's revised 2026 materials state that groups can establish, terminate, or change applicable reassignment information using CMS-855B.

 

Does CMS-855B apply to individual physicians?

Not as their individual enrollment application. Individual physicians generally use CMS-855I.

 

Can CMS-855B be submitted through PECOS?

Yes. PECOS is CMS's electronic system for applicable Medicare enrollment transactions.

 

How long does CMS-855B enrollment take?

There is no universal processing period. The time depends on the transaction, application completeness, documentation, screening, MAC workload, and whether additional information is requested.

 

Official CMS Resources

For the latest CMS-855B requirements, always verify information against CMS rather than relying solely on third-party articles.

Current CMS-855B Form

CMS-855B — Official CMS Form

CMS currently lists the form with a April 29, 2026 revision date.

CMS Medicare Provider Enrollment

CMS Medicare Provider Enrollment

This resource covers Medicare enrollment, application fees, PECOS, MACs, revalidation, NPI information, and related enrollment requirements.

CMS Medicare Enrollment Applications

CMS Medicare Enrollment Applications

CMS Forms List

CMS Forms List