Are you a National Provider? You should be!

For years, National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers have been used by health care professionals as a means of reimbursement for their services.  These include Physicians, Physical Therapists, Physicians Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Occupational Therapists.  In a recently published article, nearly 100% of those health care providers mentioned above have obtained their respective NPI numbers.  This is in comparison to only 52% of Athletic Trainers. 

Why would I need a NPI number if I don’t work in a clinic setting?  Many question the need for obtaining the NPI number because they do not actively seek third party reimbursement in their current professional setting.  While it’s true that it’s more likely that Worker’s Compensation or insurance claims will use this number, it is a possibility that reimbursement could occur in secondary schools and collegiate settings. It may help to combat budgetary issues and also improve the profession’s standing.  For this to happen, Athletic Trainers must push to become nationally identified as midlevel providers.  We, as Athletic Trainers are NOT technicians. We are highly educated health care professionals.  

Please take a few minutes and register for your NPI number. 

Link to obtaining NPI number: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/StaticForward.do?forward=static.npistart

Step by Step Instructions: http://www.nata.org/NPI 



Justin Police, LAT, ATC & Beth Neil, LAT, ATC