All health care providers who are covered entities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) are required to obtain and use a National Provider Identifier (NPI). If your client files for reimbursement from her insurance company (or you file on her behalf), the insurance company will require that you provide your NPI.
If you are new to private practice, you can find out how to apply for your NPI at the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System.
Good morning, Brenda! Thanks so much for passing this on!
Thank you, Tamara. This site was a God send for a new LPC. Earlier today I asked a colleague for information regarding obtaining the national provider identifier. Wow! And there you were. Thank you so much. I look forward to your updates! I can hardly wait.
Awwww, Floyd! So happy you found your way here and that you have found what you need! Let me if I / we can support you along your journey. We are growing a strong and dynamic online community of therapists who are building strong and vibrant private practices. You are welcome to join us!
I look forward to finding your voice here among us – either asking for info, supporting another, or offering information and resources that you may have. Blessings to you on your journey!
Hi Tamara,
just browsing through your blog archives to gather as much info as I can on starting a private practice. Great resource!!!
I think I read this correctly, but just to clarify, does one only need an NPI number if planning on billing insurance companies for reimbursement? If one chooses to not go through managed care and charge the full fee for services, is an NPI number still needed?
Thank you!
Thanks Tamara! This advice is so handy!
And, should you need to update your NPI info, you can do so by clicking on this link.