National Provider Identifier – Be Prepared
The American Dental Association is urging all dentists to apply for National Provider Identifier (NPI) number as soon as possible. The NPI is a unique, government issued, standard identification 10-digit number for individual health care providers. Anyone who uses standard electronic transactions, like electronic claims, eligibility transactions, claim status inquiries and claim attachments, will be required by federal law to start including NPIs on electronic transactions NO LATER THAN May 23, 2007. If you do not use electronic transactions, you will most likely encounter health plans that require NPIs, so it is recommended that all dentists obtain one.
Why? The NPI has many advantages over identifiers in use, including:
- Replaces Social Security Number, Individual Tax ID on standard electronic health care transactions
- You will not have to maintain multiple, arbitrary identifiers required by dental plans or remember which identifier is use with which dental plan
Apply for you NPI today. It is free and easy. To apply online, CLICK HERE. If you apply online, you will have your NPI in one to five business days.
If you download the paper application form and mail it in, you should have your NPI within 20 business days.
Fax applications will not be accepted.
