What is the National Provider Identifier?
The NPI is a unique 10-digit number assigned to each applicable health care provider or agency. It is intended for use in identifying practitioners while electronically transmitting information, such as in the submission of payment claims and referral authorizations.
All “covered entities” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are required by federal law to obtain an NPI. In essence, if a practitioner transmits “protected health data” in the electronic form connected with health care claims and other transactions as defined in the HIPPA laws, the need to comply with it.
What is a taxonomy code?
A taxonomy code is a unique 10-character code that describes the category and specialization. In applying for a National Provider Identifier, usually referred to as an NPI, you can use this code.
Changes in the Taxonomy Codes for Psychology Effective April 1
Health professionals are expected to list a “taxonomy code” or codes as part of the NPI application process. A taxonomy code is an alphanumeric 10-digit identifier that is used to identify the practice in health care and the services you offer.
It is effortless to add, change or delete a taxonomy code online. A provider can change the primary taxonomy online by accessing https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov and completing the steps below:
- When you visit the home page of the NPPES site, please type your I&A User ID and password.
- Select the “Pencil” ICON in the Action column of the NPI you wish to modify.
Navigate to the Taxonomy page by either:
- Selecting Taxonomy from the left navigation panel
- Selecting Taxonomy on the top progression bar.
- Selecting next until you are navigated to the Taxonomy page.
To change the Primary Taxonomy code, select the radio button next to the Taxonomy to designate which of the codes listed is the primary Taxonomy.
To change or add a Taxonomy code:
- Select Add Taxonomy.
- When you select the preferred Taxonomy code, you will get access to input a linked license and state of issue, if relevant.
- After saving the new information, please select Save and return to the list of all taxonomies and licenses currently on the record.