The 10 digit number will be assigned by a CMS funded NPI Enumerator through the NPPES (National Plan and Provider Enumeration System). The NPPES will process the applications and updates, ensure the uniqueness of the healthcare provider, and generate the NPIs. The NPPES will be able to produce reports and information based on requests from the healthcare industry and others. The Enumerator contract was awarded to FOX Systems, Inc., 6263 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 200, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250.
The enumerator will receive applications and updates from health care providers. The enumerator will assist health care providers in completing applications and in furnishing updates, and will be responsible for resolving problems and answering questions. The enumerator will notify the health care providers of their NPIs. The enumerator will also process requests for, and disseminate information containing, health care providers NPIs.
NPI Application Information - NPPES
NPI BULK ENUMERATION INFORMATION
HHS will prepare a Federal Register Notice describing the NPS data dissemination policy. Healthcare providers are now able to apply for NPIs (started in May 2005). Though the NPI will not be mandated as the sole identifier to be used in standard transactions with most health plans until May, 2007 (May 2008 for small health plans) there are many changes necessary within health plans (including Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial Plans) and organizational healthcare providers systems that will necessitate that providers have NPIs as early as possible in order to meet the compliance deadlines. Payers can also request the use of an NPI on its claims before May 23, 2007.
Healthcare providers will be assigned NPIs upon successful completion of an application form. The form can be submitted on paper or over the Internet (bulk enumeration is supposed to be available in the Spring of 2006). Once a healthcare provider has been assigned an NPI, it must furnish updates to its data within 30 days of any changes. This link will take you to the CMS site where you can download the application form, or find the link to the on-line application system.