The NPI must be used in lieu of legacy provider identifiers in the HIPAA standards transactions. NPI Number: The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique identification number for covered health care providers.
Participating providers have signed an agreement to accept assignment for all Medicare-covered services. Most doctors, providers, and suppliers accept assignment, but you should always check to make sure. Medicare Assignment: Assignment means that your doctor, provider, or supplier agrees (or is required by law) to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services. This program also covers certain younger people with disabilities (who receive Social Security Disability Insurance - SSDI), and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD. Medicare Program: Medicare is a federal government program which provides health insurance to people who are 65 or older.
