Why would clinic need my medicare / medicaid number?

[AD04]

Clinic wants to hire me as contractor. Why would it ask for my medicare / medicaid number? Can't the clinic bill under its own number? From what I understand, the medicare / medicaid number is for me to bill medicare / medicaid directly -- which I'm not going to do as I'm receiving payment from the clinic. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.)

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[splik]

they need your npi (which is public information and they can easily look up), there is no other number. they will be billing under your name for services you provide.

 

[AD04]

I had a feel thing that was the case. Yet, it wanted my medicare / medicaid numbers in addition to the NPI. Anyways, I'll ask the clinic directly why. Thanks.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Possibly to verify that you haven’t opted out. Opting out prevents reimbursement for your services which would be a deal breaker.

 

[WisNeuro]

Possibly to verify that you haven’t opted out. Opting out prevents reimbursement for your services which would be a deal breaker.

Yeah, after you opt out, isn't there a distinct time period of which you cannot be opted back in?