National Provider Identifier (NPI) Final Rule – HIPAA

Apply For A NPI

Starting May 23, 2005, all health care providers may begin to apply for their National Provider Identifier (NPI). For additional information, and to complete an application, visit https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov on the web.

Also, an instructional web tool, called the NPI Viewlet, is now available for viewing at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/npi/npiviewlet.asp and under "HIPAA Latest News" at www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/hipaa2 on the CMS website. This tool provides an overview of the NPI, a walk through of the application, as well as live links to the NPPES website where the providers may apply for an NPI.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has been working through its processes to be determine how to implement the use of the NPI. We will be providing updates and information as the implementation plans and processes are developed. It is important that you as providers understand this new ruling and how it will impact you as well as the other insurers that you do business with.

You may access information about NPI through the following links:

• http://aspe.hhs.gov/admnsimp/index.shtml
  HIPAA Administrative Simplification: Standard Unique Health Identifier for Health Care Providers; Final Rule
• http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/hipaa2/
  CMS - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - Administrative Simplification
• http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/- Although the NPI information and educational materials on this web page have been developed for Medicare FFS providers, these resources may be useful to other health care providers.
• NPI Publication - NPI Countdown