Forwarded from
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/Downloads/Revised_NPPES_Enhancemen\
ts.pdf


"On August 10, 2008, the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System
(NPPES) will undergo system maintenance. Neither NPPES nor the NPI
Registry will be available on August 10, 2008. CMS will be implementing
some enhancements/updates to the system. Some of these
enhancements/updates may impact health care provider's NPPES records.

"Beginning on August 11, the following changes will be implemented:

NPPES
+ The 'Application Help' page text will be updated to further
clarify the following:
~ Sole proprietors; Organization subparts; 'Other Provider
Identification Numbers' choices related to the Medicare identifiers
~ Restrict telephone number fields to only allow all numeric
entries. This also affects providers who currently have NPIs with
incorrect telephone number formats located in their NPPES records. These
providers will be required to make the appropriate changes to the
telephone numbers in their NPPES records the next time they submit any
updates/changes to their records. However, these providers are
encouraged to correct their telephone number formats without delay.

"NPI Registry
+ Allow the user to search by an organization's 'doing business as'
(DBA) name
+ NPI Registry will display deactivated NPIs (searches on NPI that
have been deactivated will result in a message that the NPI is
deactivated.)

"Electronic File Interchange (EFI)
+ Revised EFI User Manual (e.g., all-numeric telephone numbers)
+ Revised EFI Technical Companion Guide (e.g., all-numeric telephone
numbers)
+ The upcoming changes will not impact the EFI XML Schema.

"Additional Information
"Health care providers needing assistance with applying for an NPI
or updating their data in NPPES may contact the NPI Enumerator at
1-800-465-3203 or email the request for assistance to the NPI Enumerator
at CustomerService@....
"CMS advises health care providers to read the information available
at www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/ on the CMS NPI website.
Included on this site are NPI Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
that can assist with NPI issues. In addition, the NPI Application/Update
form is also a good source of information. Health care providers should
refer to the instructions (they are part of the form) for clarification
on information to be submitted in order to obtain NPIs or update their
records. They can also refer to the 'Application Help' tab located at
https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov on the NPPES website for additional assistance
when online."

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