Certification Update - Summer 2016

Representation in the healthcare profession matters. As members of the athletic training community, we are all vested in efforts around reimbursement, legislation and recognition by others in the healthcare profession.

One way for the athletic training community to increase this representation is by acquiring National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers. According to the NATA, only about 35% of Athletic Trainers have their NPI – yet acquiring it is a quick process that lends credibility to the individual and the profession.

“There is definitely strength in numbers.

Using NPI statistics gives ATs more power in legislative, regulatory and healthcare initiatives, increasing our value as allied healthcare providers,” said Kathy I. Dieringer EdD, ATC, LAT, in a BOC blog post.

Dieringer said legislators, regulatory agencies and insurance companies all use the NPI database to determine market penetration of healthcare providers.

Increased representation in the database increases Athletic Trainers’ power in these market studies.

It’s also important to remember that all electronic health records require the Athletic Trainer to identify themselves with their NPI number. This is a HIPAA requirement. In addition, NPIs are also essential when billing third party payers for services performed by a healthcare provider. If a claim is submitted to an insurance company by an Athletic Trainer with no NPI, the claim will be rejected, said Dieringer.

Here, we answer a few common questions about the NPI. Read on to find out how an NPI helps you, instructions for getting one and more.

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