Athletic Trainers Can Ensure HIPAA Compliance by Getting Their NPI Number
The BOC and National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) urge all certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) to register for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. An NPI number is now required for all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) transactions and claims, coordination of patient benefits, patient medical record system and prescriptions.
What is the NPI number?
An NPI number allows other health care professionals (physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, physician assistants, hospital systems, etc.) know who provided the patient’s care or referral. An NPI is essential for electronic medical records compliance. The 10-digit NPI number is your unique identifier in the electronic medical record arena.
Why get an NPI number?
With health care reform solidly underway, it is more important than ever that each AT obtains their NPI number upon licensure. Having an NPI is more than a reimbursement issue. It’s another way to stand up and be counted in the health profession community. An NPI is required of all health care professionals for HIPAA transactions, claims and coordination of patient benefits.
Who needs an NPI number?
All health care professionals need NPI numbers, including newly certified ATs, athletic training faculty members, preceptors and program directors.
When did this begin?
The NPI number was described and passed into law in 1996, as part of HIPAA. However, the section pertaining to the NPI only became effective in May 2007.
How do I obtain an NPI number?
Visit the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) website to complete an application with the following codes:
Provider Code 22 (Respiratory, Rehabilitative & Restorative Service Providers)
Taxonomy Code 2255A2300X (Athletic Trainer)
