Updates to NPPES
CMS has launched an updated version of the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). 
The new unified login for NPPES makes it easier for users to manage type 1 and type 2 NPI records, increases security, provides new surrogacy functionality, improves user experience, and streamlines the application process. All users who manage NPI information should be aware of these changes, especially those who manage type 2 NPI accounts.
Background
Within the NPPES, there are two types of providers: Type 1 Providers – Health care providers who are individuals, including physicians, dentists, and all sole proprietors (An individual is eligible for only one NPI.) Type 2 providers – Health care providers who are organizations, including physician groups, hospitals, nursing homes, and the corporation formed when an individual incorporates him/herself. NPPES has implemented a more efficient way of accessing type 2 NPI accounts so providers no longer need separate credentials for type 2 accounts.
Access to provider NPI records is managed by the CMS Identity and Access Management System (I&A). Providers with a Type 1 NPI who already have an account in the Identity & Access (I&A) Management System may login to NPPES without incident. Type 1 providers who do not have an I&A account will need to create an account by visiting https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/IAWeb/login.do. Under the modernized NPPES, surrogates of Type 1 providers will have access to their Type 1 provider’s NPI records.
Easier NPI Maintenance
Type 2 Providers In the past, had a separate login to manage the Type 2 NPI account and the sharing of login credentials between Type 2 providers and surrogates posed great security risks including fraud and provider identity theft. The new unified login and surrogacy helps lessen these risks and increase account security. Type 2 provider users will need I&A authentication credentials to access the modernized NPPES. With the new NPPES, the Authorized Officials (AO) and Delegated Officials (DO) in I&A of Type 2 providers will be able to access all NPIs under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the type 2 provider with an organization EIN. Users can claim NPIs using their legacy Type 2 usernames and passwords after they login with an I&A account. As an additional convenience, large organizations can contact the enumerator to get access to their NPIs. More information on the types of possible user roles is available at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/IAWebContent/Quick_Reference_Guide.pdf.
Some of the key features of the modernized and more responsive UI include:
- If users have an I&A user ID and password, they now can use those credentials to login to NPPES and they can access all NPIs from one unified account.
- Users can save applications that are not fully complete and may continue where they left off when they return to the NPPES.
- NPPES will have smart filters that only display entries containing the data entered by users to filter away unnecessary information.
- Users may add more than one practice location to their NPI application.
- All taxonomy information may be completed on one page due to the smart filter technology of NPPES 3.0.
- Surrogacy allows administrative users the ability to update records in NPPES on behalf of a provider.
- NPPES 3.0 provides a help option to give assistance to the user based on the screen on which they are working.
- Increased security because NPPES now uses surrogacy functionality for Type 2 NPIs to prevent sharing of Type 2 login credentials.
New Optional Fields in NPPES 3.0
The following new fields will allow the user to give more information about the provider and the practice location:
- Primary languages
- Secondary languages
- Race and ethnicity
- Accessibility of the location to users with mobility disabilities
- Provider’s office hours of operation
- Provider’s direct email address
Process improvements for nCred Clients
The updates to NPPES will make managing NPI accounts easier for surrogates such as National Credentialing Solutions. At nCred, we work as surrogates for our clients to manage and maintain NPI records and PECOS records. The improved functionality will allow our clients to easily setup nCred as a surrogate for their CMS records so that we can manage the provider enrollment needs for the organization without compromising security of their login credentials. If you have questions about your NPPES records, please contact your nCred representative today.
About nCred
nCred is a leading national provider of healthcare credentialing services. nCred has assisted thousands of providers and healthcare organizations throughout the country with the payer provider enrollment process. The successful implementation of leading technologies combined with experienced credentialing staff produce excellent results for nCred clients. Contact us today at (423) 443-4525 or fill out our request for information form to discuss how our services can benefit your organization.
