As the health care community transitions to National Provider Identifier (NPI) compliance, remember that there is no charge to get an NPI. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists can apply online for their NPI, free of charge, by visiting nppes.cms.hhs.gov or by calling 1-800-465-3203 to request a paper application.
CMS continues to urge providers to include legacy identifiers (such as the Medicaid Provider Number, Medicare Provider Number, and others) on their NPI applications, not only for Medicare but for all payors. If reporting a Medicaid number, include the associated State name. If providers have already applied for their NPI, CMS asks them to go back into the NPPES and update their information with their legacy identifiers. This information is critical for payors in the development of crosswalks to aid in the transition to the NPI.
Getting an NPI is free - not having one can be costly. For further information about obtaining an NPI, please visit the CMS Web site at www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/ or ASHA's NPI Web page (members only). You may also participate in the CMS NPI Roundtable in September (see below). All products located on the CMS Web site are free of charge.
CMS NPI Roundtable - September 26, 2006
CMS will host a national NPI Roundtable, open to all health care professionals, on Tuesday, September 26th from 2:00-3:30PM ET. To participate, you may call 1-877-203-0044, pass code 4795739. CMS will address common questions related to Medicare's guidance on Subparts. While CMS will only address questions from a Medicare perspective, this information may be helpful to all providers. Medicare providers, who have questions, should select the appropriate e-mail below and send in questions by Friday, September 8th. Questions received after this date will not be considered.
- Medicare providers who bill a Fiscal Intermediary should send questions to: NPIQuestionsfromFIBillers@cms.hhs.gov
- Medicare providers who bill a Carrier should send questions to: NPIQuestionsfromCarrierBillers@cms.hhs.gov
Taken from www.asha.org/about/legislation-advocacy/2006/NPI.htm. Reprinted with permission from ASHA.
