The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a “data dissemination policy” regarding how and when NPI's might be disseminated. CMS said that the NPIs and many associated data elements will be available to the public through a “query-only” online database as well as a downloadable file. There will be no charge to access the information. Outside entities may also request from CMS the data in special formats not supported by the database. The online and downloadable files will be available the last day in June or first day in July 2007.

Physicians who would like to delete data elements supplied on their NPI application considered “optional” can do so prior to the time CMS makes the online database available (last day of June or first day of July). Among the “optional” data elements that can be removed is the DEA number.

The AMA strongly feels that this exceptionally short timeframe is unreasonable and arbitrary. It does not allow adequate time for CMS to notify physicians of this policy or for physicians to exercise this option. Furthermore, CMS does not have a plan about how to communicate this information to physicians. The AMA raised significant concerns to CMS about this and continues to do so.

In the meantime, physicians should check their data in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) and remove any “optional” information that they do not want included in the public database. Physicians who want to remove information must submit a change to NPPES. They can do so by:

• Accessing the NPPES website and using their UserIDs and passwords they already established and submitting their updates via the web.
• Establishing a UserID and password for NPPES if they don't have one and then submitting the update via the web.
• Submitting an update on paper by calling the NPI Enumerator and requesting a paper NPI Application/Update Form and submitting the updates on that form. The NPI Enumerator can be reached by calling 1-800-465-3203.

Back to News Headlines