Government, professional, and public health resources for physicians practicing in Erie County and Western New York.
Licensing, Credentialing & Compliance
- CAQH ProView A single online credentialing profile that most commercial insurers use to verify a physician’s qualifications.
- NPI Registry A free public search tool to look up any provider’s NPI and basic practice information.
- NPPES Where physicians apply for or update their National Provider Identifier (NPI).
- NYS Office of the Professions – Medicine The state licensing authority for physicians, covering license renewal, mandated training, and practice requirements.
- NYS Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) Oversees Medicaid provider compliance programs, audits, and exclusion lists.
- NYS Physician Profile Public lookup for a physician’s license status, education, and disciplinary history in New York State.
- Office of Professional Medical Conduct Investigates and handles complaints of professional misconduct against licensed physicians; access through the NYSDOH website.
- PECOS The federal system used to enroll in Medicare, update enrollment information, and complete required revalidations.
Medicaid & Medicare
- CMS.gov The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website, covering Medicare and Medicaid policy, rules, and provider resources.
- eMedNY New York State’s Medicaid billing and provider enrollment system, with manuals, fee schedules, and forms.
- eMedNY Provider Portal The login portal where enrolled physicians manage their NY Medicaid provider account.
- NGS Medicare New York’s Medicare Administrative Contractor, responsible for processing Medicare Part A and B claims and publishing local coverage policy.
- NYSDOH Medicaid Provider Information The state health department’s central hub for Medicaid program policy, updates, and provider guidance.
Prescribing
- DEA Diversion Control Division The federal site for DEA registration, renewal, and controlled substance prescribing requirements.
- Health Commerce System (HCS) The account required to access the PMP registry. For help creating or troubleshooting an account, call the support line at 866-529-1890.
- NYS Prescription Monitoring Program (I-STOP) The state registry physicians must consult before prescribing Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substances.
- NYSIIS (NY State Immunization Information System) The statewide immunization registry physicians use to record and look up patient vaccination histories.
Health Plan & Payor Resources and Dispute Resolution
- NY Attorney General Health Care Bureau Assists physicians and patients in resolving disputes with health insurers.
- NYS Department of Financial Services Handles insurance company complaints, prompt-pay violations, and external appeals for denied claims.
- NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Manages provider authorization, treatment guidelines, and billing for workers’ compensation claims.
- NY State of Health New York’s official health insurance marketplace, useful when discussing patient coverage options or referrals.
Malpractice & Legal
- MLMIC A leading medical liability insurance carrier for New York physicians, offering coverage and risk management resources.
- NYS Excess Medical Malpractice Program State-funded program providing an additional layer of liability coverage above a physician’s primary policy limits, for those with a New York hospital affiliation who meet eligibility requirements. This directory lists the state-licensed carriers whose primary policies establish eligibility.
Professional & Advocacy Organizations
- American Medical Association The national professional association for physicians, covering advocacy, education, and practice resources.
- ABMS Specialty and Subspecialty Certificates The American Board of Medical Specialties directory of recognized specialties and subspecialties, listing the member board responsible for certification in each field.
- Committee for Physician Health Offers confidential, non-disciplinary assistance to physicians and medical students facing substance use or psychiatric concerns. Confidential help line: (800) 338-1833.
- Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) The statewide professional organization representing New York physicians on advocacy, education, and practice issues.
- MSSNY County Societies Resources and contact information for local county medical societies across the state.
Public Health & Government
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The federal public health agency providing disease surveillance data, clinical guidance, and prevention resources.
- Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) A federal agency supporting healthcare access for underserved populations, including workforce and funding programs.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) The federal medical research agency, offering clinical research findings and health information.
- National Practitioner Data Bank A federal repository of malpractice payments and adverse licensure actions used in credentialing checks.
- NYS Department of Health New York State’s primary public health agency, covering regulations, data, and provider guidance.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) The federal cabinet department overseeing national health policy and public health programs.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Regulates the safety of drugs, medical devices, and other products physicians prescribe or use in practice.
Local County Health Departments (Western New York)
- Cattaraugus County Health Department Provides public health, environmental health, and preventive care services for Cattaraugus County.
- Chautauqua County Health Department Chautauqua County’s public health agency, offering clinics, disease prevention, and community health programs.
- Erie County Department of Health Provides public health services, disease surveillance, and community health programs for Erie County residents.
- Niagara County Department of Health Provides environmental health, nursing, and disease prevention services for Niagara County residents.
- Orleans & Genesee County Health Department (GO Health) The joint public health department serving both Orleans and Genesee counties.
- Wyoming County Health Department Provides public health nursing, environmental health, and disease prevention services for Wyoming County.

