June 10, 2021
What is a National Provider Identifier (NPI)?
The NPI is a unique 10-digit identification number. It’s issued to service providers and caregivers (such as yourself) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The NPI will be your provider number for the rest of your life. This is true no matter how many people you provide services for.
Why the NPI Is Important
As someone who provides specialty services, you must get a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Without this number, Medicare or Medicaid cannot get billed for the specialty services you provide. This means that you cannot get paid.
How to Make Your NPI Application Easy
The best way to make an application easy to collect all the information you need ahead of time. Here’s what you can expect during your NPI application.
Set Up a Profile
You will be required to set up a profile, including your own User ID. You may want to write it down somewhere as only you will know it. (GT Independence may not be able to help you recall it in the future.)
Create a Password
You will need to create a password for your profile. In case you ever forget your password, you should select a few security questions and answers.
Information You Need to Finish Your Application
- Provider Name (Your Name)
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Country of Birth
- State of Birth (if Country of Birth is United States)
- Gender
- Mailing Address
- Practice Location Address and Phone Number
- Taxonomy (This is the Provider Type. A list is provided online.)
- State License Information (such as LBSW, LMSW, RN)
5 Steps of Your NPI Application
Step 1
Go to the NPPES website link to start your application
Step 2
Apply as a Type 1: Individual (Sole Proprietor). Do not apply as a Type 2 Organization.
Step 3
Complete sections 2A, 3, 4A, and 5 (You do not need to add an “Identifier”)
Step 4
Add a taxonomy code that is based on your licensure. Once you enter the description of your license, applicable taxonomy codes will populate. Select the one that is most applicable to your license or profession.
Step 5
You will get a confirmation email with a tracking number. This will tell you that your NPI number will be emailed, usually the same day.
Getting It Done
Getting your NPI number created is a major step that’s required by the federal government. This number is how we track all Medicare and Medicaid costs, so we can get you paid as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about the application process, please get in touch with us.