Before we discuss how to find your NPI number, let us first understand what an NPI is and why it is important to us.
What is NPI?
National provider identifier or NPI is a HIPAA Administrative Simplification Standard. It is a 10 digit unique identification number that is required by all the HIPAA covered health care providers and entities. In the administrative and financial transactions implemented under HIPAA, covered health care services and all health programs and health care clearinghouses must use the NPIs. It is a 10 digit number which is an intelligence-free numeric code. Intelligence free means that it does not carry any other information about the healthcare servicer such as driving license number, the state they live in, or any other information. The NPI must be used instead of legacy provider identifiers in the HIPAA standards transactions.
Also, it is mandatory to share your NPI with other providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and any entity that may need it for billing purposes.
Why it is important?
The NPI is important because it is a mandated HIPAA standard. Without the NPI, claims may be adversely affected, with payment delayed or possibly denied. Also, not getting one can put you in trouble as there are huge penalties and fines if you do not have one when you certainly require it. In other words, getting an NPI is free – not having one could be costly.
How to find your NPI number?
There few websites online that will help you locate your NPI number. Each of them has its own different features.
This is the most used website for NPI search. It is easy to use and provides a ton of information.
npidb.org
This site allows NPI lookup for organizations which is nice.
npi-search.com
Useful because things are broken down into tabs.
If you want to track your data to check if the registration was correct then this is the website for you.
nppes.cms.hhs.gov
From this website you can get your NPI easily
You just have to click on different links before this website gives you your NPI.
Conclusion
Several sites can help you find your NPI but in my view, NPINumberLookUp.org is the best of all. The best website is the fastest and easiest to use.
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