NPPES

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique identification number used by healthcare providers in the United States. The NPPES, which stands for the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System, is the system used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assign these NPIs. Established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the NPI is a 10-digit number that identifies healthcare providers in standard electronic healthcare transactions.

The NPI serves as a universal identifier for all healthcare providers, including physicians, dentists, hospitals, and other healthcare entities. It is required for all HIPAA-covered entities to use NPIs in their practice. This includes reporting healthcare claims, conducting electronic transactions, and other administrative and financial activities. The NPPES database is publicly accessible and contains information about all NPIs issued. This allows for easy verification of provider identity and facilitates accurate data exchange within the healthcare system. The use of NPIs promotes efficiency, reduces fraud and abuse, and enhances the overall integrity of healthcare transactions.