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Short answer: A PTAN (Provider Transaction Access Number) is the identifier Medicare issues to a provider or supplier once it is fully enrolled. It is separate from the National Provider Identifier (NPI): only the NPI is submitted on claims, while the PTAN is used when the provider communicates with its Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). This page is general information, not billing or legal advice.
What a PTAN is
Noridian Healthcare Solutions, a Medicare Administrative Contractor, states that once a provider or supplier is fully enrolled in Medicare it will be issued a Provider Transaction Access Number. An NPI is obtained through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). Holding an NPI does not make a provider eligible for Medicare enrollment (CMS PECOS FAQ).
The PTAN is directly linked to the provider’s or supplier’s NPI. Noridian’s guidance is that PTAN use should generally be limited to communication with the MAC, the CMS Regional Office and State or District Offices.
PTAN vs NPI
The two numbers do different jobs, as the table below shows.
| Question | NPI | PTAN |
|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | Enumerated through NPPES | Issued after the provider or supplier is fully enrolled in Medicare |
| Needed to enroll? | An NPI is a separate identifier; having one does not make a provider eligible for Medicare enrollment | No, it is the result of enrollment; most applicants have none to enter on an initial application |
| On claims? | Yes, the only number submitted on claims | No |
| Used for | Identifying the provider on claims | Communication with the MAC, CMS Regional Office and State or District Offices |
PTAN, CCN, OSCAR, PIN and the NSC number
Several names circulate for the same Medicare ID, and the sources word the relationship differently.
- OSCAR and PIN. The CMS PECOS FAQ describes the Medicare ID (referred to collectively as the PTAN) as the OSCAR number for Part A services, also called the certification number, and the Provider Identification Number (PIN) for Part B.
- CCN. Noridian’s provider-enrollment page says the terms PTAN, CCN (CMS Certification Number) and OSCAR are one and the same. That is Noridian’s wording.
- NSC number. Noridian’s DME enrollment page says the PTAN issued to a DMEPOS supplier is sometimes referred to as the NSC number.
Where it matters for supply decisions: DMEPOS suppliers
For durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), Noridian’s DME enrollment page states that a PTAN is issued to the supplier for billing privileges once the enrollment requirements are met. Two contractors process all DMEPOS enrollment applications, assigned by the physical location of the supplier’s office, and they issue or revoke billing privileges. Applications go through PECOS or on paper form CMS-855S.
The same page states that a supplier enrolling or changing ownership must submit a $50,000 surety bond for each assigned NPI for which it seeks billing privileges. For the standards behind that enrollment, see DMEPOS supplier standards, DMEPOS accreditation and the DME MAC guide. For what Medicare covers once a supplier is enrolled, see Medicare DME coverage; for a related billing question, see incident-to billing.
Which number goes where
- Submitting a claim: the NPI, the only number submitted on claims per Noridian.
- Writing to or calling your MAC, or correspondence with CMS regional or state offices: the PTAN.
- Questions about PTAN reactivation, deactivation or revocation for a DMEPOS supplier: Noridian’s page directs these to the enrollment contractors that process the application.
How to find a PTAN
Noridian lists two options: the notification letter sent when enrollment is approved, or Internet-based PECOS. In PECOS, select My Associates, then View Enrollments for the individual or organization, then View Medicare ID Report; PTANs appear in the Medicare ID column.
Common misunderstandings
- “My PTAN goes on the claim.” Noridian states only the NPI is submitted on claims.
- “An NPI means I am enrolled.” CMS states an NPI does not constitute Medicare enrollment eligibility.
- “There is exactly one PTAN.” PECOS can list more than one in the Medicare ID column.
- “An unused PTAN stays active.” Four consecutive quarters without billing leads to deactivation; Noridian adds that claims can still be submitted before the end date within a year of the service date.
FAQ
What is a PTAN?
A Provider Transaction Access Number: the Medicare ID issued to a provider or supplier after it is fully enrolled, linked to its NPI and used in communication with the MAC.
What does Provider Transaction Access Number mean?
It is the full name behind the abbreviation PTAN. CMS describes the Medicare ID as the OSCAR number (Part A) and the PIN (Part B).
What is the difference between NPI and PTAN?
The NPI identifies the provider on claims and comes from NPPES. The PTAN is issued by Medicare on enrollment and is used for contractor communication, not claims.
Is a PTAN the same as an NSC number?
Noridian says the PTAN of a DMEPOS supplier is sometimes referred to as the NSC number.
Sources
- Noridian Healthcare Solutions, JE Part A, Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN), checked 2026-10-30.
- CMS, PECOS frequently asked questions, checked 2026-10-30.
- Noridian Healthcare Solutions, JA DME, DME enrollment, checked 2026-10-30.
