Health Information Management

CMS enhances, updates NPPES

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, May 5, 2008

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CMS made several enhancements and updates to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) April 21, some of which could affect providers NPPES records, according to a CMS downloadable publication.

 

Improvements include the following:

  • Up to 50 Other Provider Identification Numbers can now be entered on an NPPES record.
  • Web applicants can now print completed applications for their records.
  • Applicants can input foreign military addresses separately from foreign addresses.
  • Users can search by state and Zip code of foreign practice locations on the NPI Registry Search page.
  • Social Security numbers (SSN), IRS individual tax ID numbers (ITIN), and employer identification numbers (EIN), when entered in the License Number and Other Provider Identifier Number fields, are now masked with identifiable symbols. SSNs are now masked as “$$$$”, IRS ITINs are masked as “****”, and EINs are masked as “====”.
  • Improved messages on the NPPES Web page and online application

CMS also reminds providers to review their NPPES records and delete SSNs, IRS ITINs, or EINs that are masked or suppressed in their NPPES record.

 

Type 2 healthcare providers should also review the records for quality; providers should verify their legal business names and EINs and make any necessary corrections—especially if they are experiencing any Medicare claims processing issues.

 

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