National Provider Identifier (NPI)

Dentists, please send us your NPI by filling out this form so we can update our files.

If you are a provider who submits electronic claims, you must apply for an NPI and understand the requirements for its use.

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The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The NPI regulation establishes one unique identifying number for each health care provider. This simplification measure will pare down the number of identifiers currently used in health care transactions.

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You only apply for your NPI once, and your NPI is permanently assigned for your lifetime. There is no cost to apply.

You may apply for your NPI either:

• Online: Complete a web application and submit it electronically
• On Paper: To request a paper application, call NPPES at (800) 465-3203.

After you receive your NPI, you must furnish any updates to the NPPES. If any of the data you submitted on your application changes, notify NPPES within 30 days of the change.

You may receive notices about the NPI from other health and dental plans, but your unique NPI is used with all plans. Remember to notify each dental plan of your NPI separately.

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If you haven’t done so already, please send us your NPI now so it won’t affect your claims. Please remember to continue to include your TIN and License on the claim.

Other health and dental plans may have differing timelines for NPI implementation, so take notice of each plan's requirements.

In addition, you will want to contact your clearinghouse for instructions about their transition plans for using the NPI.

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This Web site will have NPI updates so check back periodically. Also, watch your Office Link newsletter for articles on the NPI.

Here are some helpful Internet resources:

• The federal government's NPI Web site
• The federal government's NPI tutorial slideshow (best with high-speed internet connection)
• NPI application help (Phone assistance is available at 1-800-465-3203)
• The American Dental Association's HIPAA Web page

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DeCare Dental manages more than 20 dental networks nationally.