Providers to need NPI for Medicare, Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement

Ryan budget proposal calls for Medicare vouchers, Medicaid transformation

In an effort to crack down on healthcare fraud, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this summer will require all providers and suppliers who qualify for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) to include that on all enrollment applications, as well as payment claims.

The interim final rule from CMS is designed to make it more difficult to start receiving Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. One healthcare legal expert said the rule should not pose a problem for most legitimate healthcare providers, the Bureau of National Affairs reported. The rule puts into effect a provision from the recently passed healthcare reform law, which calls on providers and suppliers to comply with the NPI requirement by Jan. 1, 2011, according to BNA.

The new interim final rule is scheduled for publication in the May 5 Federal Register, and will take effect July 6. Comments on the rule are due by July 2.