What does NPI stand for in the healthcare context?

In the healthcare context, NPI stands for National Provider Identifier. This identification number is a unique, 10-digit number assigned to healthcare providers in the United States by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of electronic healthcare transactions. The NPI is used to identify healthcare providers in various transactions and is essential for billing and other administrative tasks within the healthcare system.

The NPI assists in standardizing the way providers are recognized and simplifies administrative processes, including those involving insurance claims and patient care records. All healthcare providers, including individual practitioners and organizations, must obtain an NPI to engage in electronic transactions, as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This contributes to reducing fraud and abuse in the healthcare system by ensuring that each provider is uniquely identified.