The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a 10-digit number that identifies health care providers, practitioners, and suppliers.
The NPI is an important means of demonstrating a viable workforce of qualified providers and practitioners to payors and other external stakeholders.
Regardless of work setting, employment status, or whether claims are made to payers, all qualified nutrition and dietetics practitioners (RDNs and NDTRs) should have an unique NPI.
You don’t need two NPIs if you work at many practise locations or settings because your unique NPI follows you everywhere.
If you submit a change in status request via a National Provider Identifier Application/Update form, your NPI will not expire or deactivate. (CMS-10114)
Obtaining an NPI: Who
Even if the transaction is completed by a billing agency, all HIPAA-covered entities, whether individuals or organizations, are required by law to get an NPI when exchanging electronic health information in connection with HIPAA standard transactions.
Even if you do not meet the criteria of a HIPAA-covered entity, you may still be required to obtain an NPI.
There are a few more reasons why getting one is worthwhile.
NPI: What and Why
National Provider Identifiers are associated with provider notes in electronic health records and are utilized in health care claims. NPIs are also increasingly being used to match providers to data.
An NPI is required before you may enrol as a Medicare provider or become certified with Medicaid or private payers.
The NPI acts as a “digital footprint” that can help with better understanding of the care given, such as particular nutrition interventions, RDN attribution to patient care, and outcome and quality measure evaluation and reporting.
Employer Identification Number
RDNs and NDTRs who are establishing a new group or organisation (such as a group private practise, corporation, or other business) may need to obtain a second tax identification number lookup in addition to an NPI.
A unique nine-digit number known as an employer identification number (EIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is also known as a business tax ID.
The EIN is the corporate counterpart of a Social Security number and is used to keep your Social Security number from being disclosed on W-2s and in transactions such as claims filed to health insurers when filing taxes for your business.
If you’re a member of a group or organisation, the group or organisation will already have an EIN.