The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is delaying until January 3, 2011, implementation of a controversial, new payment policy that will effectively require all health care practitioners who see Medicare Part B patients to be listed in the government health plan's national Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS).

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented an Internet-based Medicare provider enrollment process, known as Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS).

Internet-based PECOS is available to physicians, non-physician practitioners, and provider and supplier organizations in all States and the District of Columbia. Internet-based PECOS will allow physicians, non-physician practitioners, and provider and supplier organizations the option of enrolling, making a change in their Medicare enrollment information, viewing Medicare enrollment information, or tracking the status of their Medicare enrollment applications throughout the Internet submission process.