National Provider Identifier (NPI) #

What is a National Provider Identifier (NPI) # and why do housestaff need them?

The Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated the adoption of a standard unique identifier for health care providers as well as the adoption of standard unique identifiers for health plans to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic transmission of health information. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to assign these unique identifiers, known as the National Provider Identifier (NPI). This number replaces the Medicare UPIN.

Who applies for NPI #’s for the housestaff and what if I already have an NPI #?

If the housestaff member is just graduating from medical school or doesn’t already have an NPI #, the Office of Graduate Medical Education will apply for an NPI #. Incoming PGY 2’s or above most likely already have an NPI #.

Any housestaff who already has an NPI # should email their number to the GME office via [email protected] or return this form to the address below. They should also provide their program coordinator with their #. If a housestaff member does not remember their NPI #, they should search the NPI Registry at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/NPIRegistryHome.doc. They can also contact the NPI Enumerator via phone at 800-465-3203 or via email at [email protected].

What should you do if you have more questions about NPI #’s?

Please contact Kimberly Endicott ([email protected]) or Marialaina Scafidi ([email protected]) in the GME office at 215-662-3957 if you have any questions about NPI #’s.

The GME Office has not received your NPI #. Please provide us with your NPI #.

Name ______

Department ______

My NPI # is ______.

OR

I do not have an NPI #. Please apply for one for me.

State of Birth OR Country of Birth ______

Please return this form to: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate Medical Education Attn: Marialaina Scafidi 3400 Spruce Street, 210 White Philadelphia, PA 19104