Overview of Contractor Transition
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a significant change in its provider enrollment verification process. Starting January 3, 2026, CMS will transition to two new National Site Visit Contractors (NSVCs) authorized to verify the operational status of healthcare providers in person. This strategic shift represents CMS’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the integrity of Medicare enrollment processes and maintaining accurate provider information across the healthcare system.
These new contractors will assume responsibility for conducting on-site verification visits throughout the United States, divided into Eastern and Western regions. The transition marks an important milestone in CMS’s efforts to streamline provider enrollment procedures while maintaining rigorous verification standards that protect both providers and Medicare beneficiaries.
New Contractors Starting January 2026
Eastern Region Contractor
Effective January 3, 2026, Arch Systems, LLC will serve as the authorized site verification service contractor for the Eastern United States. Arch Systems brings specialized expertise in healthcare verification services and will be responsible for conducting in-person visits to confirm that providers maintain legitimate, operational facilities at their enrolled locations.
Western Region Contractor
For the Western region, Signature Consulting Group has been selected as the new site verification service contractor. This organization will perform identical verification functions for providers located in the western portion of the United States, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the nation’s healthcare provider network.
Transitional Period Contractors (Until February 14, 2026)
To ensure seamless continuity of services, CMS has established a transitional period extending through February 14, 2026. During this six-week window, outgoing contractors may continue performing site visits alongside the new contractors, allowing for smooth knowledge transfer and uninterrupted verification services.
Eastern Region Transitional Contractors
The Eastern region’s transitional coverage will be managed by Palmetto GBA and its network of specialized subcontractors, including:
- Overland Solutions, Inc., an affiliate of EXL
- Information Discovery Services
- Compliance Review, Inc.
- National Creditors Connection, Inc.
Western Region Transitional Contractors
For the Western region, Deloitte Consulting, LLP will maintain transitional services through its established subcontractor network:
- Nationwide Management Services, Inc.
- CSI Companies, Inc.
- Arthur Lawrence Management, LLC
- Computer Evidence Specialists, LLC
Understanding the Site Visit Verification Process
Purpose of Site Visits
CMS conducts brief site visit verifications for all provider types through National Site Visit Contractors. These visits serve a distinct purpose separate from CMS or State Survey Agency health and safety surveys. The primary objective is to confirm that enrolled providers operate from legitimate, functional facilities at their registered addresses, helping prevent Medicare fraud and ensuring accurate provider directory information.
What to Expect During Visits
Site visit inspectors are authorized to take photographs during their verification process. All inspectors carry official photo identification and a CMS-issued letter of authorization. Providers have the right to review these credentials but should note they cannot retain copies or photographs of these documents. This protocol ensures security while allowing providers to verify the legitimacy of site visit personnel.
Verification Procedures
If you or your office staff wish to confirm that CMS has ordered a site visit before granting facility access, you should contact your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) directly. This verification step provides an additional layer of security and helps prevent unauthorized access to healthcare facilities.
Important Considerations for Healthcare Providers
Office administrators and staff members should be thoroughly informed about the site visit verification process. Understanding these procedures is crucial because an inspector’s inability to complete a scheduled site visit can have serious consequences. Failure to accommodate legitimate site visits may result in denial of Medicare enrollment applications or, for currently enrolled providers, revocation of Medicare billing privileges.
Healthcare providers should establish clear internal protocols for handling site visit requests, including:
- Designating staff members authorized to coordinate with inspectors
- Creating procedures for credential verification
- Maintaining updated contact information for your MAC
- Documenting all site visit activities for compliance records
Preparing Your Office for Site Visits
As the transition to new contractors takes effect, providers should ensure their facilities remain accessible and their contact information stays current in Medicare enrollment systems. Proactive preparation helps ensure smooth verification processes and prevents potential enrollment complications that could impact your ability to serve Medicare beneficiaries.
By understanding these changes and maintaining readiness for verification visits, healthcare providers can navigate the contractor transition seamlessly while continuing to deliver essential services to Medicare patients without interruption.
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