Attention Providers! - You must apply for NPI before CMS will replace healthcare provider numbers for all transactions.
Dear Doctor and Office Manager:
As you are probably aware the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced on May 23rd 2005 a new implementation of unique health identifier provider number (NPI).
This unique identifier for health care providers is mandated by HIPAA and will eventually become the primary health care provider identifier for all transactions at insurance companies. These transactions include claims, eligibility inquires and responses claim status inquiries, referrals and remittance advises. The NPI will replace current provider numbers at all health plans including Medicare, Medicaid and private health plans effective May 23rd 2007.
CMS Transaction Dates for NPI:
Between
May 23rd, 2005 and January 2, 2006, the CMS claims processing systems will accept an existing legacy Medicare number and reject, as unprocessable, any claims that includes only a NPI.
Beginning
January 3, 2006 and through October 1, 2006, CMS system will accept an existing legacy Medicare number or NPI as long as it is accompanied by an existing legacy Medicare number.
Beginning
October 2, 2006 and through May 22, 2007, CMS systems will accept an existing legacy Medicare number and/or an NPI. This will allow for 6-7 months of provider testing before only an NPI will be accepted by the Medicare Program on May 23, 2007.
Beginning
May 23, 2007, CMS systems will only accept an NPI.
WCH advises all doctors to apply for an NPI beginning immediately because after the compliance date all health care providers will use only their assigned NPI numbers. Due to a large volume of healthcare providers applying for a new NPI and adjusting to the new changes, we suggest that you avoid delaying this process and apply early. (While we urge you to apply for the NPI, Medicare, Medicaid and other health plans are not yet accepting new NPI standard yet until the above set date). Reported by CMS. WCH can help you with this process and let you worry about your patients care
Those doctors that want to apply for NPI before the compliance date please contact me for further assistance with the process. The complete process of obtaining new NPI number through WCH is $30.00. However if you choose to do the enrollment process on your own, we advise to contact Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for more information.
Thank you for your time and cooperation in this important update. If you have any questions about the above information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 718-934-6714 ext 101 or via email olgak@wchsb.com.
Sincerely,
Olga Khabinskay,
Manager
