What does NPI stand for in the context of healthcare?

The term NPI stands for National Provider Identifier. It is a unique identification number assigned to healthcare providers in the United States. This identifier is essential for administrative and financial transactions, particularly those related to health insurance claims. By using the NPI, healthcare providers can ensure that their services are accurately linked to their identities, facilitating efficient communication and processing within the healthcare system.

The NPI system improves the efficiency of the healthcare industry by standardizing the identifiers used in electronic health records and billing processes, thus reducing confusion that can arise from varying identification numbers among providers. Each NPI is unique to the provider, whether they are an individual practitioner or an organization, which helps in maintaining accurate records and enhancing patient safety.