Understanding Your Medicare PTAN: What It Is and How to Get One

The "P10" number that Medicare may ask from a health-care provider over the phone is actually not "P10," but rather PTAN. It is an acronym Medicare uses that stands for "Provider Transaction Access Number."

Getting a PTAN

In order to get a PTAN number, your health-care office must be signed up with Medicare. Medicare enrollment application forms are available on the Medicare website.

Using a PTAN

You will need your PTAN in order to communicate with Medicare on a variety of topics. It is your authentication number for inquiries to customer service and to Medicare's interactive voice-response system, where you can check on claims status and beneficiary eligibility.

Safeguarding a PTAN

Your PTAN number is your office's identification and authentication number when dealing with Medicare. In order to secure your office's financial transactions with Medicare and to protect patient privacy, be certain to safeguard it well.