HIPAA mandate says that all health care providers must have NPI (National Provider Identifier). It is a 10 digit unique identification number that will last forever like a diamond as it does not expire or change. It is issued by the federal government and it is the standard identification number for individual healthcare providers as well as provider organizations like clinics, hospitals, schools, and group practices.
How to Apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI)?
The process to apply NPI is very simple, free, and quick. It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes that saves your time and headaches for healthcare professionals in the future.
You can easily apply for it online, or by designated CMS contactor.
Go to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) site to apply online, read the instructions cautiously, complete the questionnaire, and submit your request.
You will receive your NPI via e-mail from [email protected] after verifying the receipt of your data. Sometimes you may receive an email in your spam folder so it is mandatory to check this folder regularly after submitting your application.
We recommend you submit your NPI request online as it is fast and easy to monitor it. Although, if you choose to submit a paper application, you can request a paper application form by contacting the NPPES customer support hotline at 800.465.3203.
Receiving Your NPI
It depends on the volume of applications being processed at a given time to tell when you will get an NPI. Also, it depends on the mode of file submission, whether the application was submitted electronically or on paper, and whether the application was complete and passed all edits.
If you submit your application online with all details correctly filed then it won’t take more than 10 days to get your NPI. Usually, you will get it in 5 days only. The paper application process takes approximately 20 business days. Significantly, you keep the notification document that NPPES sends to you that contains your NPI, regardless of how you get your NPI. In the future, you may need to share this notification with other health care partners.
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