NPI or National Provider Identifier is a 10-digit numerical identifier used to identify an individual provider or a health care entity. The national provider identifier (NPI) will identify health care providers on a national level. This implies that all organizations in the health care sector can accept NPI. The NPI must replace commonly used identifiers for health care providers. For covered health care facilities, an NPI is a unique identification number created to improve the efficiency and efficacy of electronic transmission of health information. In their administrative and financial transactions, covered health care providers, and all health plans and health care clearinghouses must use NPIs.
It is an intelligence-free 10 digit unique number that does not carry information about the health care provider such as the state in which they practice, their provider type, or their specialization.
Who is eligible for NPI?
All Individuals and Organizations who meet the definition of health care provider as described at 45 CFR 160.103 are eligible to obtain a National Provider Identifier or NPI. Any individual or organization that is HIPAA covered and provide health care services are eligible for NPI. Also, if you are a provider/supplier of health care that charges
Medicare for your services then
you need an NPI.
1. Physicians and other practitioners
2. Physician/practitioner groups
3. Organizations such as hospitals
4. Laboratories
5. Nursing homes
6. Dental providers
7. Suppliers such as pharmacies and medical supply companies and
8. Any health care provider who transmits any health information in electronic form in connection with a standard transaction
9. Ambulance
companies
10. Chiropractors
11. Clinical Social Workers
12. Clinical Therapists
13. Clinics
14. Dentists
15. Group Practices
16. Health care clearinghouses
17. Health care plans
18. Home health care agencies
19. Licensed Therapists
20. Medical Equipment suppliers
21. Medical Laboratories
22. Nurses
23. Nursing homes
24. Opticians
25. Optometrists
26. Pharmacies
27. Pharmacists
28. Physical therapists
29. Physicians
30. Physician Assistants
31. Psychologists
32. Residential Treatment Centers