Who needs an NPI?
A. Any entity that files claims electronically, checks benefits eligibility online, or receives payments electronically needs an NPI. So a dermatology practice submitting claims electronically to payers (even if they are submitted through a billing service) must have an NPI. Dermatologists in different practice arrangements will have differing needs as outlined below: • A solo dermatologist: If you are a solo dermatologist, your individual NPI is also the practice’s NPI. You will only apply for and receive one NPI. • Groups: If a dermatologist and his or her colleagues do not file claims under a group number, they will have to file under their own NPI. Even if a dermatology practice does file under a group number, the individual physicians who render billed services must be identified on electronic claims submitted to both Medicare and private payers, so they should obtain individual NPI’s as well. If you participate in Medicare, you must use the NPI as your ID number on all claim form
