The federal government issues healthcare providers NPIs (National Provider Identifiers) as a means of identification. On all documentation related to HIPAA, including insurance claims, this is required.
Providers may receive NPIs from larger practices or organizations. As a solo massage therapist, you can apply for NPI Lookup from the NPI Registry, or if you’ve set up an LLC or other business entity for your massage business, you can apply for one.
What are the benefits of getting an NPI as a massage therapist?
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Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans use your NPI as your official identifier in health-related transactions. It allows you to receive reimbursement when a patient’s insurance covers treatment.
In many health plans, massage is being covered as a treatment for chronic pain, mental illness, and several other conditions. If you work with organizations that submit HIPAA-covered claims, an NPI may still be required even if you do not bill directly. That includes some appointments with Zeel.
NPIs are now available to massage therapists as of 2007. The NPI is also issued to other healthcare providers, including doctors, dentists, and physical therapists.
What is not handled by an NPI?
Obtaining an NPI does not:
-A health insurance plan or insurer that guarantees payment
-Substitute for other credentials or licenses
-Take out a health insurance plan
What is the cost of an NPI for a massage therapist?
As a massage therapist or other healthcare provider, you do not need to pay for an NPI.
Would I need a new NPI if I moved or changed areas of practice?
Not at all; no matter where you work or who you work for, your NPI remains the same. It is not necessary to obtain a new NPI if you have an NPI already. NPI numbers do not expire; they do not need to be renewed.
Despite working legally in the U.S., I do not have a Social Security Number (SSN). Can I get an NPI?
Sure. TINs can be used by covered health providers in the United States who do not have an SSN.
What is the process of obtaining an NPI?
In general, a properly filed application will result in the applicant receiving an NPI within ten business days, according to CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).
CMS provides the above guidelines; however, massage therapists who have applied for the NPI recently have reported receiving it within one business day. CMS does not send an email letting you know when your NPI has been issued; you can check online after submitting your application.
Where do I apply?
Massage therapists can easily obtain an NPI online, and it only takes about fifteen minutes. Log on to the NPPES website and follow the instructions. Check out the step-by-step video for more information about the application process-it’s much simpler than you might think.
