No. Veterinarians are ineligible to obtain National Provider Identifier numbers. NPI numbers are linked to medical billing, particularly Medicare. An NPI number is preferred by drug stores since it is required for third-party invoicing and is essential to the computer software systems that have become increasingly prevalent in human medicine.
Previously, numerous pharmacies would acknowledge a veterinarian’s state license number for called-in prescriptions; however, more pharmacies are now requiring the veterinarian to submit an NPI number.
What is an NPI?
The National Provider Identification Number (NPIN) is a 10-digit number utilized to uniquely identify a medical practitioner for invoicing and administrative reasons. The NPI was first used ten years after the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, also identified as HIPAA.
Before the introduction of NPI numbers, medical practitioners as well as providers were allotted identification numbers by medical plans and national payers.
Because the identification numbers were not streamlined, a single service had to use numerous identification numbers approved by the numerous medical plans wherein he or she was enlisted. This compounded the provider’s billing submittal procedures, which resulted in various medical plans assigning the very same identification number to various medical providers.
The NPI Final Rule developed a standard for a distinctive health identifier to be used in the medical system by medical providers.
The nationwide standard streamlines the payment process while reducing burdensome regulations on medical providers. While forwarding any medical data in electronic format in correlation with a transfer of funds, companies must use their NPI.
Veterinary Resources And Series Of Actions
Although the AVMA awaits additional details from the DHHS, the entity has explained multiple steps veterinarians could indeed take to ensure they are informed about the situation:
What should you do if a pharmacy requires you to acquire an NPI number?
Clarify to the pharmacy that even though you would happily give your veterinary license number, the DHHS has stated that veterinarians really aren’t qualified for an NPI number. Notify the pharmacy that the State Board of Pharmacy has received these details. If the pharmacy continues and becomes irrational, consider calling your State Board of Pharmacy.
What if your DEA number is requested for non-controlled drug prescriptions?
Several veterinary practices have reported that pharmacies have also demanded a DEA number for prescribed drugs that are not Schedule drugs. Under these conditions, refrain from providing this detail. The DEA office recommends that you refrain from using your DEA registration details exclusively as an identification number.
Other important hints
- Disable any NPI numbers procured illegally.
- Examine your state’s prescribing regulations (find necessary details on the AVMA webpage).
- According to the DEA’s Practitioner Manual, DEA registration numbers should not be utilized for identification reasons. The AVMA is concerned that pharmacies will start to ask veterinarians for DEA registration numbers instead of NPI numbers.
Conclusion
The AVMA is notifying veterinarians that they are not qualified to procure National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers, something that some pharmacies require before administering medications.
According to the AVMA, this fresh data is based on revised guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “NPI numbers are not available for veterinarians since they do not satisfy the compliance description of ‘health care provider’ as outlined by 45 CFR 160.103,” as stated in the DHHS guidance.