The search tool utilized on the First Coast Service Options’ (FCSO) Medicare provider Web site allows you to customize your search so that you can find what you’re looking for quickly and easily. You’ll find the search tool in the upper-right corner of every page of the provider Web site.

The search tool includes three main components:

Note: Your search will not include publications (unless specifically selected as a search parameter), local coverage determinations (LCDs), Remittance Advice (RA) remark and reason codes, or National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) bundled codes. To search for LCDs, you may use the FCSO Medical Coverage Page (Part A or Part B) or the CMS Medicare coverage database directly.

The first step in forming a successful search query is to define your search criteria by entering a keyword, phrase, or series of keywords into the Search criteria box. Search terms may be alphabetic, numeric, or alphanumeric and must be at least three characters long.

Note: The criteria you select will define your search and should not only be as specific as possible but also be constructed to maximize the quality of results returned.

• Use specific keyword(s)

• Use a specific phrase by enclosing keywords in quotation marks -- only exact matches to the entire phrase will be returned

• Expand your search by linking keywords with “OR” -- matches to either search term will be returned

• Narrow your search by linking keywords with “AND” -- only matches containing all search terms will be returned

Tip: If you’re searching for information related to a specific change request (CR), enter your search criteria in this format: “MMxxxx” OR “CR xxxx” -- this will help you find the article more quickly.

Setting the parameters of your search is just as important as determining your search criteria. The scope of your search can be further refined by making a selection from the Search parameter menu.

Once you have defined your search criteria and set the parameters of your search, you may either click the Search button or press the Enter key to execute it. If the search tool finds results matching your search criteria and parameters, the search results page will appear. If your search is unsuccessful, you will have the opportunity to modify your search or begin a new search.

Once the results of your search have been returned, the Search criteria box will temporarily “store” the keyword(s) you have entered. If your search query was successful, the Search results bar and the Previous search criteria bar will display above the results of your search.

The Search results bar will display:

Note: The default setting is to sort your results by relevance; however, the setting may be easily changed by clicking the hyperlink Change to sort by date.

The Previous Searches criteria bar will display up to three of your most recent searches. If you would like to return to a previous search, just click the corresponding hyperlink.

If your search is unsuccessful, you will be presented with a variety of options, many of which are dependent upon whether you set your location preference or your line of business prior to formulating your search. For more information regarding setting your location and line of business preferences, please refer to our Navigation help for additional guidance. The Previous search criteria bar will display up to three of your most recent searches. If you would like to return to a previous search, just click the corresponding hyperlink.