A National Provider Identifier is a unique 10-digit identifier assigned to eligible health care providers and health care organizations through NPPES.

For many facility organizations, the applicable registration is an Entity Type 2 organizational NPI rather than an individual Type 1 NPI. RCCS will review the information supplied by the client before preparing the application.

The NPI application requires a provider taxonomy classification. The taxonomy should accurately describe the provider's actual services and organizational role.

For certain assisted-living organizations, a potentially applicable classification is 310400000X — Assisted Living Facility. However, taxonomy selection should not be treated as one-size-fits-all, particularly for ARF providers or specialized residential programs.

RCCS will assist with researching the classification that appears most appropriate based on the information provided by the client. Final responsibility for accurate information and required attestations remains with the provider organization and its authorized representative.

An NPI can be an important piece of a facility's provider documentation, but receiving an NPI does not automatically make an RCFE or ARF an approved long-term care insurance provider.

Each insurer and individual insurance policy may establish separate requirements involving facility eligibility, provider documentation, licensing verification, claims, invoices, plan-of-care documentation, benefit eligibility and reimbursement.

Certain NPI provider information is made publicly available through federal NPI data and registry systems. Facility owners should carefully consider the business addresses, telephone numbers and other provider information they submit.

This can be particularly important for owner-occupied 6-bed RCFEs and other residential care homes operating from a private residence.