Author Topic: Student Applying for NPI  (Read 5684 times)

Garvin58

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Student Applying for NPI
« on: May 11, 2010, 03:01:12 PM »
Hello (and thank you in advance),

I am an Optometry student about to graduate and I am filling out paperwork for my state license.

1. Can I get my NPI number before I have my state license number and then submit my license number at a later date?

2. What is the difference between the different Optometry Taxonomy codes?
(Corneal and Contact Management - 152WC0802X
Low Vision Rehabilitation - 152WL0500X
Occupational Vision - 152WX0102X
Pediatrics - 152WP0200X
Sports Vision - 152WS0006X
Vision Therapy - 152WV0400X )


Vs. Optometrist - 152W00000X ? 

What proof of specialization / certification is needed to be approved for the Level III codes above (beyond state license number)?


3. I am not currently employed / practicing.  Can I use my residential address in the meantime and update the address when I know where I'll be practicing?

Thank you very much!



blhoffman

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2010, 04:07:56 PM »
Hello Garvin58,

I found this information about students and NPI's that might be helpful to you. It is the most updated information.

http://questions.cms.hhs.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/5809/kw/students

http://questions.cms.hhs.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/8479/kw/students/related/1

Here is the definitions of the Optometry Taxonomy Codes.
I believe after researching this topic that you pick the general one and then you can list the sub-specialities, or update as you grow, to your NPI.

Code
152W00000X
Type
Level II Classification
Optometrist
Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.

An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice.

Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

Code
152WC0802X
Type
Level III Area of Specialization
Corneal and Contact Management
The professional activities performed by an Optometrist related to the fitting of contact lenses to an eye, ongoing evaluation of the cornea’s ability to sustain successful contact lens wear, and treatment of any external eye or corneal condition which can affect contact lens wear.

Code
152WL0500X
Type
Level III Area of Specialization
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Optometrists who specialize in low-vision care having training to assess visual function, prescribe low-vision devices, develop treatment plans, and recommend other vision rehabilitation services.

Code
152WX0102X
Type
Level III Area of Specialization
Occupational Vision
Optometrists who work in Occupational Vision, the branch of environmental optometry, consider all aspects of the relationship between work and vision, visual performances, eye safety, and health.

Code
152WP0200X
Type
Level III Area of Specialization
Pediatrics
Optometrists who work in Pediatrics are concerned with the prevention, development, diagnosis, and treatment of visual problems in children.

Code
152WS0006X
Type
Level III Area of Specialization
Sports Vision
An optometrist who offers services designed to care for unique vision care needs of athletes, which may include one of more of the following services: corrective vision care unique to a specific sporting environment; protective eyewear for the prevention of sports-related injuries; vision enhancement – which may include vision therapy and techniques to improve visual skills specific to the athlete’s sport.

Code
152WV0400X
Type
Level III Area of Specialization
Vision Therapy
Optometrists who specialize in vision therapy as a treatment process used to improve vision function. It includes a broad range of developmental and rehabilitative treatment programs individually prescribed to remediate specific sensory, motor and/or visual perceptual dysfunctions.

Michele

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2010, 10:23:56 AM »
Great info blhoffman.  I just wanted to add that NPI info can be updated after the number is obtained when/if info changes.

Michele
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medauthor

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2010, 10:40:27 AM »
Why apply before you are ready?  What would the benefit be?  Obtaining the NPI is quick and usually emailed to you within a few hours......It would take more time to get one now...then have to update, change your 'billing entity' address, update your EIN, etc......
Michelle Rimmer, CHI, CPMB
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Owner-ABA Therapy Billing Services
Author, 'Medical Billing 101' and 'Coding Basics: Understanding Medical Collections

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2010, 10:28:09 AM »
"excitement"

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2010, 10:28:09 AM »

Michele

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2010, 11:31:58 PM »
Medauthor is correct.  NPI's can be obtained in approximately 5 minutes if the application is done online and is clean.  But they didn't ask if they should get one, they asked if they could.  I figured they had a reason for wanting to obtain one now.
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blhoffman

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2010, 11:52:49 PM »
Same here. Just tried to help answer the question being asked.

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Re: Student Applying for NPI
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2010, 11:52:49 PM »