A CMS Identity & Access (I&A) account is a critical requirement for any group or individual provider enrolling with Medicare. Setting up this account is a key step in the credentialing process and ensures you can manage your Medicare enrollment efficiently and securely.
What Is an I&A Account?
The CMS Identity & Access (I&A) Management System is an online portal managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It is used to:
- Create and manage your Medicare enrollment records in PECOS (Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System)
- Approve surrogacy (delegated access) for third parties–such as credentialing services–to manage your enrollments on your behalf
- Maintain secure access to your Medicare provider information
Every group and individual provider billing Medicare must have an I&A account.
Why Is an I&A Account Important for Onboarding?
Without an I&A account:
- You cannot be added as a surrogate, meaning your credentialing partner cannot act on your behalf
- You cannot manage, enroll, or revalidate your Medicare enrollment online
- Credentialing and enrollment will be delayed until your account is set up and surrogate access is approved
Timely creation of your I&A account is essential for a smooth onboarding and credentialing process.
What Information Do You Need to Create an I&A Account?
To register for an I&A account, you will need:
- Your National Provider Identifier (NPI) or your organization’s NPI
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN/TIN)
- Your contact information (email, phone, address)
How to Create Your I&A Account
Follow these steps to set up your account:
- Go to the CMS I&A System:
Visit the official CMS I&A Management System website. - Click “Create Account”:
Select the option to create a new account and follow the on-screen instructions. - Enter Required Information:
Provide your NPI, SSN or EIN/TIN, and contact details as prompted. - Complete Registration:
Finish the registration process and verify your email address. - Approve Surrogate Access:
Once your account is active, log in and approve your credentialing partner (such as [Your Company Name]) as your surrogate. This allows them to manage your Medicare enrollment on your behalf.
Tip: Creating an I&A account is free and typically takes about 15 minutes.
What If You Don’t Have an I&A Account?
If you are unsure whether you have an I&A account, or know you do not have one, you should:
- Confirm your status during onboarding (e.g., “Do you currently have a CMS I&A account for your practice or individual provider profile?”)
- If you answer “No” or “Unsure,” follow the steps above to create your account as soon as possible
Credentialing cannot proceed until your I&A account is active and surrogate access is granted.