NPI number: everything you need to know about NPI numbers
What is an NPI number, who needs one, how do you get one, who needs two NPI numbers, what is a taxonomy code and how does it affect your NPI number (and your payments), how do you get the NPI number from someone else, and I think I have an NPI # but I don’t know what it is are some of the questions that have come up.
The whole scope of NPI is confusing, and since it went into effect on May 23, 2007, we’re just beginning to see the challenges. We are all learning together about how the change will affect our offices.
We are still receiving calls and obtaining NPI numbers for providers who have not yet received one. We are also answering many questions on our “Ask the Biller” page about NPI #s. Here is a sample of these questions. You can download a free ebook of all the examples we’ve come across since the NPI was first introduced by visiting our website. The link is below.
Since May 23, 2007, all medical service providers are required to obtain a National Provider Identification number. They are free and fairly easy to obtain.
There is still some confusion as to whether certain providers are required to have an NPI. If you contact the NPI enumerator, they can’t even tell you.
The easiest way to get an NPI number is to hire us to get it for you. Michele has gotten so many now that she can access through the website app in four minutes while on the phone with her. The assigned number has been returning to us the same day in many cases. You can call Michele for help at 1-800-490-4299.
The NPI# itself is free. You can fill out an application yourself on their website. It takes about 15-20 minutes for a first time user. You can also download a paper application to submit by mail. You can access the NPI website by going to the NPI # page on our website and scrolling to the bottom.
Your practice will require an individual NPI number for the physician and a group NPI number for the practice if you bill under a separate tax identification number.
On the new CMS 1500 form, the NPI goes in boxes 24J, 32A, and 33A.
So far, the biggest problem we’ve seen arise was when we submitted our first batch of electronic claims to the clearinghouse with the newly entered NPI numbers. Some of the insurance companies that received the claims were not yet ready for the NPI number change (they were given the extra year to comply) and were not yet ready to accept the NPI numbers. All their claims were thrown out of the system and had to be printed on paper.
For more information on NPI numbers and answers to more questions, such as
and much more, download a copy of our free eBook on our website.
Copyright 2007 – Alice Scott