While the Internet has made life in some dental offices easier, other practices operate just fine using a more low-tech approach. Do these practices need to give a second thought to the NPI if they plan to continue submitting paper claims and don’t rely on the Internet to check patient or claims information?

Some dentists are required to obtain an NPI, others aren’t. But all dentists and health professionals are eligible for an NPI and are encouraged to get one.

Why bother if it’s not required? Consider the advantages of having a single identifier. One simple number means no more maintaining and matching different identification numbers to specific payers for transactions. If a dentist moves or changes specialties, the NPI travels with him or her, avoiding the need for new identifiers from multiple payers. Including NPIs on transactions – even paper transactions – contributes to a more efficient coordination of benefits. And, with an NPI, there is greater freedom to switch to electronic transactions more easily down the road.

On a grander scale, the NPI is a rare example of a government regulation resulting in a win-win-win situation for health care providers, payers and clearinghouses. The intent of the NPI is to streamline electronic transactions and, in doing so, helps to move the industry toward a more efficient exchange of information among dental offices, payers and clearinghouses.

“These efficiencies should result in cost reductions and more simplified transactions throughout the healthcare system,” said Janis Oshensky, vice president of professional relations for Delta Dental Plans Association. “The more people there are using NPIs whether legally required to or not, the faster the industry is poised to realize these benefits.”

For more information on the NPI, go to the official government web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/.

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Dentists are encouraged to seek their own legal advice regarding the application of the National Provider Identifier Rule to their practices and circumstances.