Unique Identifier Rule Can Be Confusing, quotes Henry Norwood, Esq. in Healthcare Risk Management, 9-2024

HIPAA’s Unique Identifier Rule mandates the use of standardized codes to provide unique identification of healthcare organizations, employees, and patients in an effort to enhance efficiency and security. The requirements and use of the codes can be confusing.

The National Provider Identifiers [NPI] is a unique 10-digit identification number covered entities use with standard HIPAA electronic transactions, says Henry Norwood, JD, an attorney with the Kaufman Dolowich law firm in San Francisco. One common pitfall health providers face with their NPI numbers involves locum tenens providers — a temporary provider covering at a facility for another provider who is unavailable, he notes. Should the facility bill under the normal provider’s NPI or the locum tenens provider’s NPI? The answer can vary depending on whether the patient is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, Norwood says.

Read more at the full article.