National Provider Identifier (NPI)

In the near future, LabCorp will contact you to obtain your Type 1 Individual National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. (Type 1 encompasses individuals who render health care, provide atypical services, or furnish health care supplies to patients, eg, physicians, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, pharmacists, and physical therapists.) It is essential that you share your NPI number with LabCorp, as your NPI number identifies you as the “ordering provider.” This disclosure is required by the NPI regulations.

The Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandate the adoption of standard unique identifiers for health care providers. The purpose of these provisions is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic transmission of health information. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun issuing NPI numbers to HIPAA-covered entities in preparation for the required compliance date of May 23, 2007.

CMS has stated that all HIPAA-covered health care providers, whether they are individuals or organizations, must obtain an NPI for use to identify themselves in HIPAA standard transactions. NPI replaces the unique provider identification number (UPIN), as well as other previously assigned provider numbers by payors and other entities, for the purpose of identifying providers in standard electronic transactions.

The following CMS Web site provides detailed information and will assist you in applying for and obtaining your NPI number: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/03_apply.asp#TopOfPage

For additional information, view the NPI Q & A