CMS recently announced a contingency plan for implementation of the National Provider Identifier (NPI), scheduled to begin May 23, 2007. The contingency plan gives covered entities up to one year from the deadline–until May 23, 2008–to become compliant with the program and be ready to accept and process claims using the NPI.
However, in order to avoid payment disruptions, ASA members are strongly encouraged to obtain their NPI by the May 23, 2007 deadline. Providers can apply for an NPI online at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov or can call the NPI enumerator to request a paper application at 1-800-465-3203. ASA members should also ensure that nurse anesthetists and AAs in their practice apply for NPIs as soon as possible.
There are several benefits to obtaining and implementing an NPI sooner rather than later. For example, the new CMS contingency plan allows providers an additional year only if they can demonstrate a “good faith effort” to become compliant with the NPI policy. Obtaining an NPI before the 2007 deadline is one way to show such effort. Further, the NPI will be required when reporting PQRI measures, which will begin in July of this year.
There are several benefits to obtaining and implementing an NPI sooner rather than later. For example, the new CMS contingency plan allows providers an additional year only if they can demonstrate a “good faith effort” to become compliant with the NPI policy. Obtaining an NPI before the 2007 deadline is one way to show such effort. Further, the NPI will be required when reporting PQRI measures, which will begin in July of this year.
