The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created the National Provider Identifier Number (NPI), to promote transparency between healthcare professionals and healthcare systems.
What does it mean? Do you need to be concerned? It is important to know the NPI number. This can help you save time and money.
Continue reading to find out everything you need about these numbers, and how to get your own.
What are NPI numbers?
NPI is a 10-digit unique identification number that’s given to each and every American. Also known as a Social Security Number or SSN, the NPI number is unique to each person in the United States.
The number is used by the government, banks, insurance companies and other institutions in order to identify and track you.
How do I get an NPI number?
If you do not have an NPI, then use the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System.
They will ask for basic information including your username and your password and then generate your NPI. Providers can also apply for a NPI number by paper or via a third-party. CMS’s website has detailed instructions.
The benefits of having a NPI number
NPI numbers contain sensitive information about the individual. NPI numbers have many benefits.
Healthcare Fraud Prevention
It is becoming more difficult to keep patients safe, as more people are stealing identities in order to cheat the system. With an NPI, providers can verify the patient’s identity and distinguish between legal and illicit activity.
Protecting privacy
The NPI protects a patient’s privacy in addition to preventing fraud. The medical records of another person cannot be shared with another hospital unless the identity of the patient is verified. This verification process can prevent another person from receiving treatment in someone else’s name.
Health Information Links
Patients who have an NPI can link all of their medical records so that physicians don’t need to ask for any additional documents or information from previous providers.
Who needs an NPI in conclusion?
Healthcare providers are issued NPIs. The NPIs are required to make claims or perform other HIPAA-specified activities. Healthcare providers include any person, group or organization who offers medical services or health supplies. Healthcare providers include medical professionals, hospitals, nursing homes, and research facilities.
The time taken to receive an NPI is dependent on several factors: whether the application was submitted on paper or electronically, if it was completed and had passed all editing, and how many applications were being processed in a particular moment.
The processing time for a paper-based application is approximately 20 days.
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