NPI stands for National Provider Identifier and it is a unique identification number provided to health care providers. This is required as per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This code is used for all the administrative and financial transactions that they use. It is only a number which is used for identification.

Through this number you will not get any details related to the working or the area of specialty of the service provider. The healthcare providers apply for the NPI registry through the website of the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). Another option is to submit a physical form to the NPI Enumerator. Once the NPI information is submitted and the NPI number alloted, the health care provider is informed of the same. The notification sent, acts as a proof of the NPI registry and also helps any other health care providers to find your NPI number.

The NPI number can also be updated. Depending on the type of health care provider i.e. individual or an organization, there are different ways of updating your NPI.

• A large organization uses the electronic file interface to update the numbers assigned to your organization.
  
  
• If the organization is small or the health care provider is an individual, the NPI can be updated online or on paper. In both the ways, the same type of forms is used.
  
  
• The main details required to fill the form are the original NPI number, the UPIN number, your specialty codes, the address, contact person’s name and phone number.
  
  

To speed up the online process, always have your detailed information written down before filling up the online form. And remember you are required to compulsory update your NPI registry in case of any change that occurs in your address, codes, etc.