National Provider Identifier System Becomes Mandatory Next Month

On May 23 it will be mandatory to use your National Provider Identifier (NPI) number when billing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Currently, you can use your PIN alone, your PIN and the new NPI, or the NPI alone—but as of May 23, only the NPI number will be accepted.

Physicians are advised to try billing using their NPI number before May 23 to ensure that there aren’t any problems with the number before its use becomes mandatory.

You can apply for an NPI on the CMS Web site, https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov, or by calling (800) 465-3203 to request a paper application.

Beginning May 23, 2008, all practicing physicians who treat Medicare patients must start billing with a working national provider identifier (NPI). Physician and non-physician providers can make any corrections or changes pertaining to their NPIs by contacting the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES)…

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