The Deadline is almost upon us.

If you can remember back to school when you had to turn in an assignment or take a test or even at work, there numerous deadlines that we have to meet. Deadlines usually cause stress and anxiety as we scramble to make sure we take care of the necessary items. During the scramble we always think to ourselves that we should have taken care of this ages ago, and that you are not going to let it happen again. There is a deadline that is almost upon those who are medical health care providers. This deadline is the National Provider Identifier or NPI number deadline. The deadline is May 23, 2007. This is only 19 days and 10 hours away. So there is still time, although the sooner you apply and get your NPI number the better. Just like the test or the work deadline, make sure you start preparing early, or finish the job before it is upon us.



Why do I need an NPI number?

To comply with HIPAA's Admistrative Simplification a NPI number is needed. What is HIPAA? HIPAA is actually government legislation that is designed to simplify the process of administration in the medical field. HIPAA was also designed to standardize medical transactions. A part of standardizing transactions is making them electronic, which will most likely be of great benefit to the medical industry in the near future. For more information visit: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/



How do I get my NPI number?

They have made it as easy as possible to obtain your NPI number. You can call, email, or mail your request. You can visit the following website for more details. https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do



NPI updates

If you are looking for more information about NPI numbers or if you have questions there is a host of information that is available to you by checking out the following website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/

The materials here will help you through the process and show you what you need to do to get your NPI number and make sure that you are in compliance for the changes being made.



So although the deadline is creeping up be sure that you are not scrambling in the end and make sure that you complete everything that you need to so that you are not left in panic mode.



About the Author: Alex Hachtman is a Marketing Specialist for AdvancedMD Software in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information about NPI or medical billing software, please feel free to contact an AdvancedMD representative.