The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Programs (CMS) wants all health care providers to receive a National Provider Identifier, including audiologists and speech-language pathologists (NPI). To obtain NPIs, all health care providers and organizations are eligible.
The NPI is the identification system of health care providers implemented by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department as part of the introduction of the Portability and Accountability Act on Health Insurance (HIPAA).
Think You Don’t Need An NPI? Think Again.
Even if you do not charge for services, you may need to report your NPI to those providers who do so (e.g., the laboratory or testing facility’s statements must be identified by providers who order laboratory tests or submit patients for diagnostic testing).
Claims may be negatively affected without the NPI, with reimbursement deferred or likely refused.
How to Apply for Your NPI
Health Care Providers may apply for their NPI in one of the following ways:
- Complete the web application at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete this process.
- Call the Enumerator call center at 1-800-465-3203 or TTY 1-800-692-2326 to request a paper application.
- Email customerservice@npienumerator.com to request a paper application.
- You can also request a paper application by mail:
NPI Enumerator
P.O. Box 6059
Fargo, ND 58108-6059
How much does an NPI number cost?
Getting an NPI is free — not having one can be costly.
Do Medical Residents Need To Get A NPI Number?
The use of NPI numbers in healthcare is so common and standardized that you will need to get a number as early as during your residency, fellowship, internship, or even when you are still a medical student, anywhere you may be expected to transmit health information.
Who Needs an NPI number?
All individuals and entities that meet the health care provider’s concept as defined in 45 CFR 160.103 must-have NPI numbers. If you are a patient covered by HIPAA or a provider/supplier of health care that charges Medicare for your services, you need an NPI.