The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says that it is mandatory for all health care services, including audiologists and speech-language pathologists should have a National Provider Identifier (NPI). All health care providers and organizations are eligible to receive NPIs.
How did the NPI come into existence?
It came into existence when Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated that a unique health identifier be created for each health care provider. It was created to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of electronic transmission of health information. The NPI Final Rule, published on January 23, 2004, established the NPI as this standard.
How much does an NPI number cost?
You do not have to pay any fee to get an NPI. It is free of cost. You simply have to fill an online application form or by contacting the NPI enumerator to request a paper application. It won’t take much of your time and the process takes about 20 to 30 minutes to fill the application and submit it for processing. Once the application is submitted and processed online it will only take 5 days to get your NPI number. If you send your request by mail then you can get it in 20 days.
How to get NPI?
There are 3 ways of getting an NPI. We have discussed all three below.
- The first and the easiest way to get an NPI is by applying through a web based application process. You have to visit the website of National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do on the CMS website. You simply have to create an account and fill your details to get your NPI.
- The other option is by filling an application and sending it to NPI Enumerator address listed on the form. To get a copy of the application (Form CMS-10114, “NPI Application/Update Form”), refer to https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMS-Forms/CMSForms/Downloads/CMS10114.pdf on the CMS website.
You can give a call to NPI Enumerator at 1-800-465-3203 or TTY 1-800-692-2326, or send an email to customerservice@npienumerator.com.