What system do providers use to apply for Medicare participation online?

Providers use the PECOS (Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System) to apply for Medicare participation online. PECOS is a web-based system developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that streamlines the enrollment process for healthcare providers who wish to bill Medicare for their services. It allows providers to submit their enrollment applications electronically, making the process more efficient and reducing paperwork.

PECOS not only facilitates the initial enrollment but also allows providers to manage and update their enrollment information, which can be crucial as circumstances change (such as a change in practice location or ownership). Furthermore, using PECOS helps ensure that all necessary documentation is uploaded and submitted correctly, reducing the likelihood of delays that can occur with paper applications.

While other options mention systems that might be related to Medicare, they do not specifically represent the primary online tool that providers utilize for enrollment, which firmly establishes PECOS as the correct answer in this context.