October 25, 2006

After further review of the National Provider Identifier (NPI) final rule and the industry definition of “atypical” providers, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has determined that Local Educational Agency (LEA) providers participating in Medi-Cal do not meet the criteria to be “atypical” providers. Therefore, LEA providers are required to apply for an NPI.

LEA providers should apply for an NPI on the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Web site. Upon receipt of NPI, LEA providers are required to register their NPI on the Register, Update and Inquire About NPIs page.