On September 26, 2006 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted the 21st HIPAA Round Table conference call. Focusing on the National Provider Identifier (NPI), the round table concentrated on questions to do with parts and subparts, data dissemination, taxonomy and some Medicare claims processing questions.

In addition to the spotlight on the above questions, CMS reiterated that HIPAA covered entities such as providers completing electronic transactions, healthcare clearinghouses, and large health plans, must use only the NPI to identify covered healthcare providers in standard transactions by May 23, 2007. Small health plans must use only the NPI by May 23, 2008.

If you still need to apply for your NPI, CMS urges you to include your legacy identifiers, not only for Medicare but for all payors. If reporting a Medicaid number, include the associated State name. This information is critical for payors in the development of crosswalks to aid in the transition to the NPI.

On a final note, remember, all HIPAA covered healthcare providers, whether they are individuals or organizations, must obtain an NPI for use to identify themselves in HIPAA standard transactions. Once enumerated, a provider's NPI will not change. The NPI remains with the provider regardless of job or location changes.

To view the transcript and access more information on the NPI, including how to apply for your NPI, log on to the Member Center.