What is NPI?
The NPI is a 10-digit number that will be used to identify you to your health care partners, including all payers, in all HIPAA standard transactions.
It is an intelligence-free number that does not carry any information about the health care provider such as his state of residence, license number, or the subject of his practice.
In the administrative and financial transactions required by HIPAA, covered health care providers, all health plans, and health care clearinghouses must use NPIs.
With HIPAA standard transactions, the NPI must be used when a provider identifier is needed.
It replaced identifiers for health care services including Medicare legacy IDs, UPIN, OSCAR, PIN, and National Supplier Clearinghouse numbers.
Can I have 2 NPI numbers?
For individual health care providers, NPI is like a diamond that will last forever. Individual Providers can only have one NPI; however, Organization Providers can have multiple NPI registry options.
Generally, there are two types of NPI and these are as follow:-
Type 1 – This is for individuals such as dentists, etc. They can only have one NPI throughout their life and the number does not change and cannot be replaced as well.
Type 2- Type 2 NPI is for organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
How to get An NPI?
Health care providers may apply for an NPI in 1 of 3 ways:
- Use a web-based application to apply through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). Individual providers must use the Identity & Access Management (I&A) System to create a username and password, and then use that username and password to log into NPPES.
- Fill out a paper application Form CMS-10114, NPI Application/Update Form, sign it, and mail it to the NPI Enumerator stated on the form. Call 800-465-3203 or 800-692-2326, or send an email to customerservice@npienumerator.com to request a hard copy application from the NPI Enumerator.
- Allow an Electronic File Interchange Organization (EFIO) to use the bulk enumeration method to submit application data.