CMS to Accept NPIs in January

BALTIMORE–CMS announced last week that claims including the new
National Provider Identifier will be accepted beginning Jan. 3.

In a memo posted on its Web site, the agency rolled out a
timeline for implementing the NPI–a 10-digit number that
eventually will replace the legacy Medicare numbers being used for
standard health care transactions. The new identifier was mandated
under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to
improve and simplify health care transactions. CMS began accepting
applications for the new numbers last month.

According to CMS, from Jan. 3 through Oct. 1, 2006, the agency
will begin accepting NPIs on claims as long as they are accompanied
by an existing legacy Medicare number. Prior to Jan. 3, CMS will
reject any claim that includes only an NPI.

From Oct. 2, 2006, through May 22, 2007, CMS will accept an
existing legacy Medicare number and/or an NPI. This will allow for
six to seven months of provider testing before only an NPI will be
accepted by the system. The deadline for switching to the new
number is May 23, 2007; small health plans have until May 23,
2008.

For more information, or to complete an NPI application, visit
https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov.