NPI Data Dissemination Information

CMS clarifies NPI data dissemination date — changes must be completed by August 20 for the September 4 release date.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has pushed back the previously scheduled June release date of a public database for National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) health care provider data to September 4. CMS believes that Medicare providers need additional time to view their disclosable data and make any updates, changes or deletions (where permitted). To ensure the inclusion of the changes in the initial downloadable file, August 20 is the last date on which the changes may be submitted via the Web-based process or received by the NPI enumerator via the paper NPI Application/Update form (CMS-10114).** The NPI Registry will operate in a real-time environment. Updates, changes and deletions will be reflected in the NPI Registry at the same time they are reflected in NPPES.

Updates, changes and deletions that are submitted after August 20 will be reflected in the appropriate (next month’s) update file, also downloadable from the Internet. For example, an update submitted on August 26 would be reflected in the first update file (to be created one month after the creation of the initial September 4 downloadable file).

After the initial downloadable file is made available, an update file will be available each month thereafter at the same Internet location. All of the files (the initial file and the update files) will remain available for download at that Internet location.

CMS assistance in making NPI updates

CMS has made available a document that will assist providers in making updates, changes and deletions to the FOIA-disclosable NPPES provider data. The document is entitled, “National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Data Elements – Data Dissemination – Information for Providers” available at the CMS NPI Web site below.

**NOTE: If submitting the paper NPI Application/Update form to make provider changes, you may use the old version until July 10. Do not submit old versions of the CMS-10114 to the NPI Enumerator after that date. Submit the revised CMS-10114. The revised CMS-10114 is available from the NPI Enumerator (800/465-3203) or from the CMS forms page below.