Dermatology Coding Alert
Erase Thoughts of Replacing Provider Numbers
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Question: Will the NPI numbers we're required to start using in May simplify our paperwork with Medicare by replacing the Medicare numbers we use? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: Unfortunately, no. If you think the National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers will simplify your Medicare paperwork, you should think again. After the NPI implementation, CMS will continue to issue and use Medicare/Medicaid Provider Numbers, CMS explained in a March 2 memo to state survey agencies (S&C-07-16). New name: To decrease confusion between the new numbers, CMS will call the Medicare Provider Number the "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Certification Number," or CCN.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires you to use NPIs on all HIPAA-regulated transactions, such as claims, by May 23. But CMS will use the new CCN on all Survey and Certification and patient assessment transactions, the memo specifies.
"In some activities, both numbers will be used," CMS says. The memo is online at www.cms.hhs.gov/Survey CertificationGenInfo/downloads/SCLetter07-16.pdf.
Dermatology Coding Alert
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