CMS Identity & Access (I&A) Account

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:

1. Go to the CMS I&A System: Visit the official CMS I&A Management System website.

2. Click “Create Account”: Select the option to create a new account and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Enter Required Information: Provide your NPI, SSN or EIN/TIN, and contact details as prompted.

4. Complete Registration: Finish the registration process and verify your email address.

5. 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.