DAY 1 – NOVEMBER 18
Keynote
Zabeen Chong
CMS
Zabeen Chong serves as the Director for the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Zabeen is responsible for leading initiatives to streamline provider screening and enrollment for over two million providers and implementing policies and systems to prevent fraud and abuse in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This includes the development of Medicare and Medicaid provider enrollment operating policy and procedures, oversight of the Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System, and providing outreach and education to the provider community. She is also responsible for the identification of vulnerabilities and implementation of administrative action processes directed at protecting Medicare and Medicaid provider enrollment. Zabeen has a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Johns Hopkins University.
Telehealth and Teleradiology
Joseph Schultz
CMS
Joseph Schultz serves as a Deputy Director of the Division of Enrollment Policy and Operations and the Director of the Division of Quality and Compliance (Medicaid) within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Mr. Schultz is responsible for developing enrollment policies and working with the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and other stakeholders on provider enrollment and program integrity related issues. He has over 13 years’ experience in Medicare for both the public and private sector. Joseph has a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Utica College in NY and undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Cortland.
Marian Love
Novitas/First Coast Service Options
Marian Love serves as the Sr. Director for the Provider Enrollment Center at First Coast Service Options. Ms. Love is responsible for the oversight of all Provider Enrollment functions for Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) Jurisdictions JN, JH, and JL and support of the NPEAST. She has been with First Coast for over 26 years and has a strong focus on delivering a consistent and compliant experience for providers and suppliers that protects the Agency and Medicare beneficiaries while supporting operational excellence and program integrity. She has extensive knowledge of Provider Enrollment and its evolution, having served in nearly every role within the organization. Marian has a Master's degree in Business Administration from California Coast University.
Provider Enrollment Site Visits
Allison Steven
CMS
Alison Stevens serves as a Health Insurance Specialist in the Division of Enrollment Policy and Operations within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Ms. Stevens oversees the SVS (Site Verification Services) Contractors, works with MACs/NPEs and other stakeholders to resolve site visit-related issues, and develops technical guidance and policy. She obtained her Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University.
Nuha Muktar
CMS
Nuha Muktar serves as a Policy Lead in the Division of Enforcement Actions within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Ms. Muktar is responsible for overseeing the implementation of administrative actions to address fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare. Her work includes development of program integrity related policies and collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen program integrity efforts in the Medicare Program. Ms. Muktar holds a Master of Health Science from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
PECOS 101
Vani Annadata
CMS
Vani Annadata serves as the Director of the Division of Enrollment Systems within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. She is responsible for overseeing the National Medicare Provider Enrollment System (PECOS), and the provider enrollment screening system. Vani has been with CMS for over fifteen years. She has an extensive background in software and systems development for over 15 years in private sector and holds a degree in Engineering.
Jennifer Payne
Novitas Solutions/First Coast Service Options
Jennifer Payne services as a Business Analyst for Provider Enrollment at Novitas Solutions and First Coast Service Options. In this role, she leads and supports strategic initiatives related to Medicare provider enrollment policy, operational consistency, system modernization, and process improvement. Ms. Payne works closely with CMS, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), National Provider Enrollment (NPE) contractors, and cross-functional teams to develop solutions that enhance enrollment operations while ensuring compliance with Medicare requirements. She has extensive experience in provider enrollment policy, operations, and enrollment systems, including the implementation of system enhancements and operational guidance supporting the Medicare enrollment process. Ms. Payne has been with Novitas and First Coast Service Options for over 16 years.
Provider Outreach & Education
Hafssa Zgidou
CMS
Hafssa Zgidou serves as a Health Insurance Specialist in the Division of Enrollment Policy and Operations within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Ms. Zgidou oversees Noridian, one of the Medicare Administrative Contractors, on provider enrollment and program integrity-related issues. She is also a member of the Survey and Certification Team, focusing on Ambulatory Surgical Centers and End-Stage Renal Disease facilities.
Stephanie Portzline
Novitas Solutions/First Coast Service Options
Stephanie Portzline serves as Provider Engagement Manager for Novitas Solutions and First Coast Service Options, supporting Medicare Jurisdictions JH, JL, and JN. She holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Shippensburg University and brings more than 15 years of Medicare experience, along with a background in private-sector education. Drawing on expertise in both education and Medicare operations, Stephanie delivers engaging, practical presentations that help providers navigate complex program requirements. In her role, she fosters relationships with Medicare providers, professional associations, CMS, and industry partners through education and outreach initiatives, resolution of complex inquiries, and cross-functional collaboration to improve operational effectiveness.
Scott Winter
EUS
Scott Winter is the Deputy Project Manager for the Business Operations Support Center (BOSC) External User Services (EUS) team at Tria Federal, with 15 years of experience in the CMS space. He leads day-to-day operations of the EUS help desk and drives improvements to the support experience for Medicare providers; from the systems and tools agents rely on to the way providers interact with EUS directly. Scott partners closely with CMS stakeholders to ensure providers receive timely, accurate support for enrollment system access, troubleshooting, and account issues.
DAY 2 – NOVEMBER 19
Maintain Compliance with Enrollment Requirements and Regulatory Outlook
Charles Schalm
CMS
Charles Schalm has been serving as the Deputy Director for the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group at the Center for Program Integrity at CMS since 2013. He is responsible for overseeing the federal screening, enrollment, and enforcement actions for over 2 million providers and suppliers that serve over 70 million Medicare beneficiaries. Prior to joining CMS, Charles served in the private sector as a Program Integrity Director for Medicare and Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse. He also worked with Medicaid managed care organizations in Pennsylvania and Michigan. He served on the national Medicare/Medicaid Healthcare Drug Taskforce where federal agencies and private organizations came together to tackle the onset of the opioid epidemic. Charles went to school at the University of Michigan and Duquesne University, where he graduated with degrees in business and forensics.
Allison Bloom
CMS
Allison Bloom serves as the Deputy Director for the Division of Enforcement Actions within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. She is responsible for overseeing the review and implementation of administrative actions, including enrollment denials, deactivations, and revocation of Medicare billing privileges, as well as assisting in the development of new program integrity regulations and policies. She has been with CMS for over ten years.
PE 101
Alisha Sanders
CMS
Alisha Sanders serves as the Director for the Division of Enrollment Policy and Operations within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Ms. Sanders is responsible for developing enrollment policies and procedures across the Medicare program and working with the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and other stakeholders on provider enrollment and program integrity-related issues. Ms. Sanders has worked for CMS for over 25 years.
William Price
Wellpoint Federal
William Price serves as a Provider Enrollment Subject Matter Expert for Wellpoint Federal, bringing more than 20 years of Medicare and Medicaid experience and deep expertise in provider enrollment operations. In his role, William is responsible for translating complex regulatory and contractual requirements into effective operational solutions, including the implementation of change requests and Technical Direction Letters issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). He provides subject matter expertise in resolving complex provider enrollment escalations and supports collaborative efforts involving CMS and Medicare Administrative Contractors (A/B MACs). William combines extensive operational knowledge with a strong focus on leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He recently completed the Elevance Health Future Leaders program as well as the Elevance Health FGS Leadership and Growth Development Program, further strengthening his leadership capabilities and commitment to professional growth. With a career spanning more than two decades in Medicare and Medicaid, William brings significant provider enrollment expertise, regulatory insight, and a proven ability to navigate complex operational challenges in support of federal healthcare programs.
Certified Providers
Melanie Bovard
CMS
Melanie Bovard serves as a Health Insurance Specialist in the Division of Enrollment Policy and Operations within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Ms. Bovard works with the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and other stakeholders on provider enrollment and program integrity related issues. She is also part of the Survey and Certification Team, focusing on Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Dionna Johnson
CMS
Dionna Johnson serves as a Health Insurance Specialist and Survey and Certification Lead for the Division of Enrollment Policy and Operations within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Ms. Johnson provides oversight over one the Medicare Administrative Contractors, Palmetto GBA, and other stakeholders on provider enrollment and provider integrity related issues. Ms. Johnson holds a Master’s in Health Administration from George Mason University.
Julie Schroeder
Noridian
Julie Schroeder serves as a Provider Outreach and Education Representative with the Provider Enrollment team, where she focuses on educating providers and suppliers on Medicare enrollment requirements, regulations, and best practices. In this role, she collaborates closely with the Provider Enrollment and Enrollment Call Center teams to provide education, guidance, and support that help providers successfully navigate Medicare enrollment processes and maintain compliance with program requirements.
With 12 years of experience in Medicare provider enrollment and outreach, Julie brings expertise in the Identity and Access Management (I&A) System, the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS), and provider enrollment compliance and regulatory requirements. She serves as a trusted resource for providers and suppliers, helping them understand complex enrollment policies and procedures while promoting accurate and efficient enrollment practices.
Julie actively participates in CMS workgroups, contributing operational insights and supporting initiatives that enhance provider enrollment processes and the overall provider experience. She is passionate about helping providers achieve success in the Medicare program through education, collaboration, and outreach and is recognized for her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, easy-to-understand guidance.
DME
Cher’rohn Ross
CMS
Cher'rohn Ross serves as a Health Insurance Specialist for the NPE contractors in the Division of Enrollment Policy and Operations within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. She is responsible for overseeing the DMEPOS enrollment operations, developing technical guidance and policy, and working with the NPEs and other stakeholders on program integrity related issues. Ms. Ross has her Master's degree in Healthcare Administration Management from the University of Maryland.
Sarah Darnley
CMS
Sarah Darnley serves as a Team Lead for the Division of Enrollment Policy & Operations within the Provider Enrollment and Oversight Group in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS. Mrs. Darnley is responsible for developing enrollment policies and procedures with the Medicare Administration contractors (MACs), the National Provider Enrollment DMEPOS contractors (NPEs), and other stakeholders on provider enrollment and program integrity-related issues. Mrs. Darnley has over 12 years of experience in Medicare provider enrollment in both the public and private sector. She has a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration and Policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Barry McManus
Palmetto GBA
Barry McManus has nearly three decades of experience in DMEPOS enrollment and compliance at Palmetto GBA. Beginning his career at the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) in 1997, Barry was responsible for processing all types of applications. He soon transitioned into the NSC’s compliance unit, dedicating over 20 years to advancing compliance referrals, expanding site inspections, and implementing innovative systems—including a comprehensive license database and a risk management platform tailored to DMEPOS enrollments. Barry held the designations of Certified Fraud Examiner and Accredited Healthcare Fraud Investigator, underscoring his commitment to integrity and industry standards. In January 2019, Barry was appointed Program Manager for NSC. In this role, he has worked closely with CMS to transition the site visit process to external contractors and implement the National Provider Enrollment (NPE) model, which now operates across two geographical jurisdictions. Barry has also played a pivotal role in managing DMEPOS enrollment appeals during multiple transitions. Barry’s extensive experience, leadership, and dedication to compliance make him a respected authority in the DMEPOS industry.
Laura Martin
Novitas Solutions
Laura Martin serves as the Provider Enrollment Project Manager for the National Provider Enrollment East (NPEAST) contract at Novitas Solutions. She leads operational and strategic initiatives supporting Medicare provider enrollment, with a focus on CMS compliance, workforce development, quality improvement, and process modernization. She has been with Novitas and First Coast for over 15 years and brings extensive experience in provider enrollment operations. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of West Georgia.