To work in the healthcare industry or run a healthcare organization, you need a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. An NPI is assigned to all health care providers by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). Since May 23, 2007, this unique number has been required of all health care providers as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Basically, anyone who handles confidential medical information has to be accountable. Since this number is used to identify health care providers in standard transactions such as health care claims, it is important to keep all information, such as a change of address, with NPPES current. Don't wait: You're required to update your NPI information, online or by mail, within 30 days of the effective change.

Change NPI Address Information Online

1. Visit the NPPES Website

Visit the NPPES website (see Resources).

2. Sign In or Create an Account

Click the “Sign In” link if you already have an NPI login account. This login is created during the registration process.

If you do not have an NPI login, click the “Create or Manage an Account” link. To create an NPI login for an individual health care provider, enter the NPI number, first and last name, Social Security number and date of birth. For an organization, enter the NPI number, organization name and Employer Identification Number (EIN).

3. Click "View/Modify NPI Data"

Click “View/Modify NPI Data.” Enter the new address and click "Submit."

Change NPI Address Information by Mail

1. Download Update Form

Download the NPI Application/Update Form from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) forms page (see Resources) or call the NPI Enumerator at 800-465-3203 to request a form by mail.

2. Write the NPI Number

Check box 2 on the NPI Application/Update Form and write the NPI number in the space provided. Check the "Change of Information" box.

3. Enter the New Address

Go to Section 3 of the NPI Application/Update Form and enter the new address information. In part A, report a new residential address only if it is also your business mailing address. In part B, report a new residential address only if it is also your business practice location.

4. Enter Contact Information

Complete Section 5 by entering contact information.

5. Send the Form

Send the Application/Update Form to:

NPI Enumerator P.O. Box 6059 Fargo, ND 58108-6059

Tip

Use blue or black ink when filling out the paper form. Make sure the NPI number is legible when completing the paper form. Check the status of the change by logging on to the NPI webpage. If the change was submitted online, wait at least 15 days. If the new address is not listed after 15 days, the health care provider or the contact person should contact the NPI Enumerator at 800-465-3203. Waiting times for mailed-in forms will be longer.