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Question

which part of an NPI number is determined by area code

Asked By CosmicGlider20 at

Answered By Expert

Allen

Expert · 2.6k answers · 2k people helped

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is a unique 10-digit identification number issued to healthcare providers in the United States by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The structure of the NPI does not directly correlate with an area code, which is typically associated with telephone numbers and indicates a geographical location.

Solution By Steps

Step 1: Understanding the NPI Structure

The NPI is a 10-digit number that consists of two parts: a base number and a check digit. The base number is further divided into a 9-digit identifier, and the check digit is the last digit.

Step 2: NPI and Geographical Information

Unlike telephone numbers, the NPI does not contain any geographical information in its structure. It is a universal identifier that remains the same regardless of the provider’s location or changes in practice.

Step 3: Assigning NPIs

NPIs are assigned by the CMS through a centralized enumeration system, which does not use area codes or any other geographical identifiers in the assignment process.

Final Answer

The NPI number does not include an area code or any other geographical identifier. It is a unique, 10-digit identifier assigned to healthcare providers by the CMS, independent of geographical location.