Check NPI data before it's posted on Web
Verify entries are current, delete optional data if private
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Posted Aug. 17, 2007 |
By Arlene Furlong National provider identifier data that are disclosable under the federal Freedom of Information Act will be available on the Web beginning Sept. 4.
The ADA Department of Dental Informatics encourages dentists who have been assigned NPIs to check their information in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System records to ensure it is current.
Dentists submitted personal and practice information, such as names, business addresses, business phone numbers and fax numbers, license numbers, gender and provider type to the NPPES when applying for a national provider identifier.
The NPI is a 10-digit standard identification number for health care providers required under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for transmitters of electronic transactions.
Also, some providers may not want all of their FOIA disclosable information available and can change or delete nonrequired data entries they prefer to keep private.
Information contained in "Other Names" and "Other Provider Identifiers" are examples of optional data fields and can be deleted.
To access NPPES records, go to the NPPES Web site: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov  .
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make the NPI data available in two forms:
- a query-only database, called the NPI Registry;
- a downloadable file from the NPPES Web site.
If you made changes by Aug. 20, they will be reflected in the NPI registry when it first becomes operational on Sept. 4 and in the first downloadable file at the NPPES Web site.
Downloadable files will then be updated every 30 days, the government says. Real-time query data is expected to update every 24 hours.
The government is asking providers to update their NPI data within 30 days of any significant changes, such as relocation, additional qualifications, retirement or new taxonomies.
Dentists may apply for an NPI online at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov or by phoning NPPES to request a paper application at 1-800-465-3203.
HIPAA covered providers (those who transmit electronic transactions) must comply with the requirements of the NPI rule by May 23, 2008.
Members with questions, comments or concerns can e-mail NPI@ada.org or call the ADA Department of Dental Informatics, Ext. 4608.
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