The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns a unique, permanent 10-digit National Provider Identifier (NPI) to health care providers. This identifier is crucial throughout your medical career. It’s important to understand that, as per the NPPES Data Dissemination Notice, information you provide during the application process becomes publicly available.
For faculty to properly bill for services related to your involvement, securing your NPI is a necessary step, even as a student. Furthermore, this number will be essential when you transition into private practice, as it will be used for billing purposes.
You can apply for your NPI online, a process that typically takes just 15 to 20 minutes. While the application is generally straightforward, navigating the “Taxonomy Codes” section can be confusing. This guide will help clarify this part of the application, specifically focusing on the Student In An Organized Health Care Education/training Program Taxonomy.
Should you encounter any questions during your NPI online application, you can find assistance by clicking “Help” in the upper right corner of each application page. Alternatively, you can reach out to the NPI Enumerator, FOX Systems, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1 (800) 465-3203.
Decoding NPI, Taxonomy Codes, and Related Terms
To better understand the application, let’s clarify some key acronyms and terms:
- NPI (National Provider Identifier): This is your unique, 10-digit identification number as a health care provider. It remains with you permanently.
- NPPES (National Plan and Provider Enumeration System): This is the system developed by CMS to streamline the electronic exchange of health care information.
- HIPAA (Health Care Portability and Accountability Act of 1996): This act mandated the use of unique identifiers for health care providers and health plans to protect patient data and improve system efficiency.
- CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services): The government agency that developed the NPPES to manage and assign NPIs.
- I&A (Identity & Access System): A system update designed to simplify access and management of your information across NPPES, PECOS, and HITECH systems.
- FOX Systems, Inc.: The contracted NPI Enumerator by CMS, responsible for managing the NPI application process.
- Taxonomy Codes: These are 10-character alphanumeric codes that describe a health care provider’s specialization. For non-licensed individuals in training, such as students, the appropriate taxonomy code is 390200000X – Student in an Organized Health Care Education/Training Program. It is important to note that this taxonomy code, and others, may change throughout your career as your specialty evolves.
By understanding these terms and the importance of the student in an organized health care education/training program taxonomy, you can confidently complete your NPI application and take a crucial step in your healthcare career.
