With just 4 ½ months until the federally-mandated compliance date, the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) have joined together to offer a free introductory education service on National Provider Identifier (NPI) in the form of video webcasts, as an industry service to help educate healthcare providers on how to obtain and implement their NPI by the federally-mandated deadline of May 23, 2007. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that only about 60 percent of providers have obtained their NPI to date. All HIPAA covered entities, including healthcare providers, all health plans, and clearinghouses that process healthcare transactions using HIPAA format, must implement the 10-digit NPI number by the May 23rd deadline.

There are two 60-minute webcast video sessions available: one for large practices or institutional providers, and a second version tailored for individual providers or small group practices.  The webcasts, which include PowerPoint materials designed to educate providers about NPI basics, cover the following topics:

• Who Needs an NPI?
• The Application Process
• Obtaining and Sharing NPIs
• NPI and Paper Claim Submitters
• Provider Practice Considerations and Impacts
• Resources and General Questions
  

These webcasts will be a helpful resource for foot and ankle surgeons as it will provide the necessary information needed to obtain NPI.  The links to video webcast sessions are available with free sign-in registration through ILT Systems at: http://www.bcbs.com/issues/healthit/

For other NPI resources, foot and ankle surgeons can visit:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/