Published
what is the purpose of the national provider identifier (npi)? who must use it, and when?
the purpose of the national provider identifier (npi) is to uniquely identify a health care provider in standard transactions, such as health care claims. npis may also be used to identify health care providers on prescriptions, in internal files to link proprietary provider identification numbers and other information, in coordination of benefits between health plans, in patient medical record systems, in program integrity files, and in other ways. hipaa requires that covered entities (i.e., health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers who transmit any health information in electronic form in connection with a transaction for which the secretary of health and human services has adopted a standard) use npis in standard transactions by the compliance dates. the compliance date for all covered entities except small health plans was may 23, 2007; the compliance date for small health plans was may 23, 2008. as of the compliance dates, the npi is the only health care provider identifier that can be used for identification purposes in standard transactions by covered entities.
who is eligible to receive a national provider identifier (npi)?
in general, health care providers include hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, durable medical equipment suppliers, clinical laboratories, pharmacies, and many other “institutional” type providers; physicians, dentist, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses, chiropractors and many other health care practitioners and professionals; group practices, health maintenance organizations, and others.
for more information and white papers about health care providers, including atypical providers, visit the cms website at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/nationalprovidentstand/
NPI is sort of newly required in claims processing. Got my doc (boss) his a few years ago when it became necessary. I would think that that would be for physicians, PAs, NPs... etc. Never thought of RN's as they only work under supervision.
RNs do not only work under supervision. This is incorrect.
You have to fill out paperwork online and then you will get your number. This is the number you will bill under. It doesn't take that long, but it is government so don't be afraid to follow up early. RN's will use this number if they are for example working private duty. I went through the process about 1.5yrs ago and then landed a job in a facility. You get your number I believe in like 24hrs. Hope this helps.
mlok
99 Posts
I found a job description asking "A valid National Provider Identification Number (NPI) is required at the time of employment."
What is that?
I have all the criteria, except that... is that my RN #?