Medical Billing Forum

NPI Numbers => NPI Numbers => : ste January 29, 2015, 04:50:13 PM

: Another Aberrant Pacific Northwest Practitioner
: ste January 29, 2015, 04:50:13 PM
An ND would like to move in with her boyfriend and begin using his last name in the absence of marriage.  What documentation is required to update her name with the NPI Registry?  And what documentation is required, besides a W-9, to update her business name with the IRS?  She is a sole proprietor and would like to keep her current tax ID (EIN). 
: Re: Another Aberrant Pacific Northwest Practitioner
: kristin January 30, 2015, 01:21:30 AM
While I don't know if I can actually provide you with sound advice, I had to reply, because your Subject header cracked me up. Anyone who uses the word "aberrant" is tops in my book. And I can just picture the situation you have described.  :P

So here is what I think, and I have no legal basis for this, but it makes common sense to me. You should consult a healthcare attorney/accountant just to be sure:

1. As far as the ND moving in with her boyfriend and beginning to use a new last name, boyfriend or not, marriage or not, I would think there has to be a legal name change done on her part first. The new last name has to be recorded with the "powers that be" as required(SSA, IRS, DMV, etc). Once that is done, you can change her name with NPPES.

2. While a W-9 should be enough, I really don't know for sure...she should be able to keep her EIN/tax ID, and just submit the name change on it. After the name change is legal, of course.

Again, get her attorney and accountant involved in this, if necessary.
: Re: Another Aberrant Pacific Northwest Practitioner
: PMRNC January 30, 2015, 08:21:43 PM
An ND would like to move in with her boyfriend and begin using his last name in the absence of marriage.  What documentation is required to update her name with the NPI Registry?  And what documentation is required, besides a W-9, to update her business name with the IRS?  She is a sole proprietor and would like to keep her current tax ID (EIN).

Just when I thought I heard and saw it all..

First..did she change her name LEGALLY? if not.. tell her that's a first step. HER Tax (IRS) info needs to match EXACTLY.. I won't even get into the mess she will have with Social Security.
Second.. why not go down to the justice of the peace?