NPI: Register, Update or Inquire About NPIs
Please read the following before registering, updating or inquiring about an NPI.
The National Provider Identifier Collection (NPIC) online system allows Medi-Cal/CHDP providers to register, one NPI for each active Medi-Cal/CHDP provider number currently enrolled. For a Medi-Cal and CHDP provider, the NPI will automatically be updated for both programs when they register their NPI with Medi-Cal.
NPI Bulk Registration Tool
Providers can register several NPIs at the same time using the NPI Bulk Registration Tool (BRT) on the NPIC online system. The NPI BRT was implemented on February 1, 2007. Providers should review the BRT instructions (updated April 16, 2008) that provide specific details and technical requirements for file submission when using the BRT.
Providers with more than one active Medi-Cal/CHDP number:
To prevent interruption in payment, providers possessing more than one active Medi-Cal/CHDP number need to login separately for each existing number. In most cases it is the provider’s choice to register either the same NPI or the subpart (see Subparts) NPI to replace multiple Medi-Cal/CHDP numbers/locations.
In accordance with the HIPAA-NPI final rule, providers designated as Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies providers, pursuant to CFR 424.57 are required to receive a separate NPI for each individual location. Determination of Medi-Cal providers subject to this provision of the NPI final rule is yet to be determined. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) encourages providers that dispense durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, or medical supplies to refer to future Medi-Cal Updates, or this registration page for a final determination on Medi-Cal requirements for this NPI rule.
Medi-Cal/CHDP providers with multiple “Pay-to,” Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), “Mail-to” locations/accounts or Personal Identification Numbers (PIN):
The Medi-Cal program currently allows a separate “Pay-to” or “Mail-to” address, differing EFT account information and PINs for each Medi-Cal/CHDP provider number. The Medi-Cal program will continue to allow a separate “Pay-to” or “Mail-to” address with EFT account information or PIN for each NPI registered.
If a provider chooses to replace multiple Medi-Cal and CHDP provider numbers with one NPI, it is important to designate which of the many “Pay-to” and “Mail-to” addresses, EFT accounts and PINs will be transferred to the new NPI number. To designate the “Pay-to” and “Mail-to” addresses, EFT account and PIN, a provider should select the Medi-Cal or CHDP provider number that corresponds with the desired information and register the NPI for that number first. The “Pay-to” and "Mail-to" addresses, EFT account and PIN of the first Medi-Cal or CHDP number that an NPI replaces will by default be transferred to the new NPI.
Note:Providers not required to register an NPI – “Atypical”
In accordance with the NPI final rule, some providers may not qualify for an NPI and therefore are not required to register an NPI with the Medi-Cal program. According to DHCS’ interpretation of the final rule, as it relates to “atypical” providers, the following Medi-Cal provider types below are not required to register an NPI:
- Blood Banks
- Christian Science Practitioner
- Multipurpose Senior Services Program
If any of the above provider types acquire an NPI, they may register it with the Medi-Cal program, but it is not required.
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