HIPAA Regulatory Alert
National Provider Identifier finally takes effect
Mandatory use of the National Provider Identifier (NPI), which had been delayed from 2007, took effect May 23. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services officials said there were no early reports of abnormalities or significant problems in implementing the change.
HIPAA mandated use of NPIs to standardize the system of submitting claims and alleviate some of the confusion associated with multiple identifiers. During a grace period from May 1 to May 23, providers were required to use NPIs but could do so in conjunction with other ID numbers. But after May 23, Medicare claims had to list only the NPI to be eligible for payment. Claims coming in with numbers other than NPIs are being returned for adjustment and resubmission.
The NPI is a unique 10-digit number that does not carry other information about the health care providers it identifies, such as the state in which they practice or their medical specialty.
Mandatory use of the National Provider Identifier (NPI), which had been delayed from 2007, took effect May 23. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services officials said there were no early reports of abnormalities or significant problems in implementing the change.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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