National Provider Identifier (NPI)
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet (printable version 
)
Prepared by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
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Prepared by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
- NPI is required by HIPAA.
- NPI is a ten-digit number that is used to submit claims and transmit any electronic health information to all payers.
- NPI applies to physicians, non-physicians health care practitioners, other suppliers and certified providers such as institutions, home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities.
- Each individual practitioner will receive one NPI.
- Organization providers (i.e.: hospitals, group health care providers) may obtain an NPI for each of its subparts. A subpart can be considered a separate physical location of an organization health care provider, member of a chain, or an organization health care provider separately licensed or certified.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to process applications and issue NPIs.
- A single entity referred to as an enumerator will operate the NPPES.
- Providers can apply for an NPI at NPPES.
- After a provider receives their NPI, BCBSKS asks to be notified. Once notified, BCBSKS will add the NPI to our records for use in claim processing.
For additional information about NPI, visit our NPI Resource page.
Updated 06/2009
