Optional Uses
The NPI must be used in connection with the electronic transactions identified in HIPAA. In addition, the NPI may be used in several other ways:
- by health care providers to identify themselves in health care transactions identified in HIPAA or on related correspondence;
- by health care providers to identify other health care providers in health care transactions or on related correspondence;
- by health care providers on prescriptions (however, the NPI will not replace requirements for the Drug Enforcement Administration number or State license number);
- by health plans in their internal provider files to process transactions and communicate with health care providers;
- by health plans to coordinate benefits with other health plans;
- by health care clearinghouses in their internal files to create and process standard transactions and to communicate with health care providers and health plans;
- by electronic patient record systems to identify treating health care providers in patient medical records;
- by the Department of Health and Human Services to cross reference health care providers in fraud and abuse files and other program integrity files;
- for any other lawful activity requiring individual identification
Read more about this topic: National Provider Identifier
Famous quotes containing the word optional:
“Our father presents an optional set of rhythms and responses for us to connect to. As a second home base, he makes it safer to roam. With him as an ally—a love—it is safer, too, to show that we’re mad when we’re mad at our mother. We can hate and not be abandoned, hate and still love.”
—Judith Viorst (20th century)