Olympic Online NPI Provider Reference

Frequently Asked Questions About the National Provider Identifier (NPI)


Frequently Asked Questions About the NPI

Updated May 4, 2007



What is NPI?

  • The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a 10-digit, intelligence-free number that uniquely identifies a healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who transmit health information in electronic form (on their own behalf or through a business associate) are required to obtain and use NPIs as of May 23, 2007, except for small health plans. Applications are available online at: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov.

  • When the NPI is fully implemented, covered entities will use only the NPI to identify healthcare providers in all standard EDI transactions, including claims. Legacy identification numbers (e.g., UPIN, 6-digit Medicare number, 10-digit ASC number, DME supplier number) will not be permitted. The provider’s Tax ID will continue to be required on all forms for tax purposes.


How can I submit my NPI to Olympic?

  • The implementation of the NPI will effect how we identify providers and provider organizations. In order to minimize claims processing delays during the transition period, Olympic strongly recommends that providers notify us of their NPI(s) immediately by submitting their information online: Click here to submit yours now.


What are legacy identification numbers?

  • Legacy identification numbers are those numbers currently used to identify unique providers. These numbers include the 6-digit Medicare ID number, Unique Physician Identification number (UPIN), 10-digit Ambulatory Surgery Center number (ASC), Supplier Clearinghouse number (NSC), Online Survey Certification and Reporting number (OSCAR) and Durable Medical Equipment supplier number (DME).

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 requires issuance of a unique national provider identifier (NPI) to each physician, supplier, and other provider of health care.


How can I obtain an NPI?

  • Healthcare providers who transmit health information in electronic form (on their own behalf or through a business associate) are required to obtain and use NPIs as of May 23, 2007, except for small health plans.

  • Applications are available online at: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov. You may also call the NPI Enumerator and request a blank application form at 1-800-465-3203 or TTY 1-800-692-2326.


Is Olympic ready to accept NPIs?


Is Olympic ready to accept the new claim forms?

  • Yes, as part of NPI the UB92 is being phased out and being replaced by the new UB04 form and the CMS 1500 (HCFA) is being phased out and being replaced by the revised CMS 1500 form.


What is a Taxonomy code?

  • The provider taxonomy code is a code designed for use in classifying health care providers according to provide type or practitioner specialty. They are alphanumeric and are 10 positions in length. (Example: 170300005X) More information is available online through the National Uniform Claim Committee.


Are Taxonomy codes required?

  • Taxonomy Codes are required for facilities. All other providers are strongly encouraged to bill with their Taxonomy Code.


What is a "Contingency Plan"?

  • Due to concern over the healthcare industry’s state of readiness, CMS has indicated that for a 12 month period (through May 23, 2008), they will not impose penalties on covered entities as a result of complaints where the covered entity has deployed a contingency plan and if they have made reasonable and diligent efforts to become compliant, and in the case of health plans, to facilitate the compliance of their trading partners. Click here for the most current information on Olympic’s Contingency Plan.


What is Olympic's Contingency Plan?

  • Olympic will continue to allow both the legacy and the NPI to be submitted until further notice. At present, and until May 23, 2007, Olympic requires legacy numbers on all claims being submitted. After May 23, 2007 and until further notice, Olympic strongly suggests that claims are submitted with both NPI and legacy identification numbers.

  • Updates and amendments to Olympic’s NPI Contingency plan will be posted as often as possible. Click here for the most current information on Olympic’s Contingency Plan.

  • Olympic will continue to develop and process claims submitted with legacy identification numbers, NPI and/or both. Olympic will strive to provide ample notice to providers before we are unable to continue processing claims with legacy identification numbers.


For more information about NPI go to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ and click on the box that says “National Provider Identification (NPI). Time is running out!”