Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

FQHCs furnish services such as those performed by physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical psychologists, and clinical social workers
- This also includes certain preventive services like prenatal services, immunizations, blood pressure checks, hearing screenings and cholesterol screenings
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is Part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may assist the RO in determining whether a supplier meets FQHC standards, since HRSA maintains a list of suppliers that met certain grant requirements
To qualify as an FQHC, the facility must, among other things, either furnish services to a medically underserved population or be in a medically underserved area
Effective date cannot be before the date they submit their 855A in full

On this page, view the below information. (Jump Tos)

For more information regarding billing, go to the billing portion of the website.

Application	Tips
PECOS application	"Institutional Provider" (e.g., Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, Hospice, Home Health Agency) Complete questionnaire to ensure correct applications (CMS-855A and CMS 588-EFT) populate.
CMS-855A	Complete all form sections Attach all supporting documentation such as IRS documents List all directors, board members, and contracted or W-2 managing employee Visit the Application Fee webpage to access CMS link to pay application fee
CMS-588 EFT	Submit completed CMS-588 EFT and voided check/bank letter. EIN required to be on application in Tax Identification Number (TIN) field

If providing Part B services, an 855B will need to be submitted
Must have the following attachments
- Exhibit 177 - Information provided must match the information reported on the 855A
- Health Resources and Services Administration | HRSA - A Notice of Award (NoA) for federal grant money is commonly submitted.
- Designation memo (lookalike) - this documentation is needed to be in place showing the exact site address prior to submitting an initial enrollment, Buyer CHOW or a change/revalidation adding a practice location
  - Either the HRSA or lookalike must include the LBN and exact (physical) practice location
    - If the practice location is listed, they may also submit a form 5 Part B Service Site
    - If submitting CHOW, the HRSA needs to be in the name of the buyer prior to the submission of the application
May only have one (1) practice location per application
- This means if there is an additional practice location that will need to be on file, a separate 855A will need to be submitted for it

Application Type	Processing Time
PECOS	On average, it can take 15 to 50 calendar days before application is sent to state and CMS for approval
Paper	On average, it can take 30 to 65 calendar days before application is sent to state and CMS for approval

Note:

Once Noridian has completed the reviewal of the application, a Recommendation for Approval Letter is sent to the State Agency and CMS. There is no set timeframe for their review.
Additional days after State and CMS approval Noridian will have additional days to finalize enrollment records.

Last Updated Dec 09 , 2023

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) - JE Part A