Members Only | 02.06.26
A Letter From the NAMSS Editor: Advancing the Profession in a Milestone Year
By Amy Lyons, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP
Dear NAMSS Colleagues,
As we step into 2026, I’m glad to connect with you through Gateway — especially in a year that carries special meaning for NAMSS. I’m truly excited for the opportunity to serve the association and to help share the conversations, ideas, and progress that continue to shape our profession.
The start of a new year is always a good moment to pause and reflect. As we look back on 2025, there is much to be proud of. Over the past year, NAMSS has continued to expand its educational offerings, strengthen professional pathways, and bring members together through collaboration and shared learning. From advancing certification programs to supporting members through an increasingly complex healthcare environment, 2025 reflected the dedication and expertise of this community. Taking stock of what we have accomplished gives us a strong foundation as we turn our focus to what’s next.
A new year also brings excitement and fresh energy. This year is full of opportunities for NAMSS and its members. Healthcare continues to evolve, and with it, the role of medical services professionals (MSPs) and provider enrollment professionals continues to grow in both visibility and impact. The work you do every day supports patient safety, access to care, and organizational integrity. NAMSS exists to support that work, connect professionals to one another, and help ensure our field continues to move forward with confidence.
One of the most exciting milestones as we begin the year is the recognition of the inaugural group of Certified Provider Enrollment Specialists (CPES), who were notified in December. This is an important step forward for the profession. The launch of CPES reflects NAMSS’s commitment to education, competency, and lifelong learning, while also acknowledging provider enrollment as a specialized and essential area of expertise. To those who earned CPES certification in this first group — congratulations. You are helping to shape the future and set the standard for those who will follow.
Learning has always been central to NAMSS, and today it matters more than ever. Regulations change, organizations evolve, and expectations grow. As a profession, we continue to adapt while holding fast to accuracy, integrity, and accountability. NAMSS remains focused on providing education and resources that support members at every stage of their careers — whether you’re just starting out or helping lead your organization through complex challenges.
At the same time, 2026 offers an opportunity to look ahead and ask important questions about how we work. New tools, including artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, are beginning to influence credentialing, enrollment, and compliance processes. The goal isn’t to replace professional judgment — it’s to support it, improve efficiency, and create space for the work that truly requires expertise, collaboration, and critical thinking. NAMSS will continue thoughtful, practical conversations about how these tools can be used responsibly and effectively. We look forward to the work of the NAMSS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force in particular. You can learn more about their plans for 2026 in this article recently published on Gateway.
This year is also special for another reason. In the fall of 2026, NAMSS will celebrate its 50th Annual Conference in New Orleans. Five decades of learning, leadership, and collaboration have brought us to this milestone. The conference will be a time to reflect on where we have been, celebrate the people who have shaped the profession, and look ahead to what’s next. It promises to be a meaningful and memorable gathering, and I hope you will plan to be part of it.
Gateway is a great place to pause and reflect as we begin the year. Our publication serves as a thoughtful retreat, one that reflects NAMSS’s focus on excellence, learning, leadership, and community. Throughout 2026, Gateway will continue to share best practices, highlight member perspectives, and spark conversations that matter to our profession. I encourage you not only to read and engage, but also to consider sharing your own experiences and insights by submitting an article. Your voice helps shape the dialogue and strengthens our community.
The start of 2026 is a moment to reflect and a moment to look forward. By learning from the past year and leaning into what’s ahead, we can continue to grow together.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead and to all that we will accomplish in 2026!
With appreciation,
Amy Lyons, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP
NAMSS President-Elect and Editor, Gateway