Bulletin: June 28, 2007

CMS Delays NPPES Data Dissemination Date

By: Marketing Specialist

The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Data Dissemination Notice published on May 30, 2007 announced the requirement for NPPES healthcare provider data disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) be made publicly available on June 28, 2007, 30 days after the Notice. This requirement makes certain that the FOIA-disclosed data be available in an initial downloadable file on the Internet, including monthly update files, and in a query-only database known as the NPI Registry, allowing users to query by NPI or provider name.

CMS delayed the dissemination of the NPPES data because it believes additional time is needed by healthcare providers to ensure the disclosed data is as accurate as possible. This will allow providers more time to make any necessary updates, changes, or deletions (if permitted) to their NPPES data. As a result, CMS has delayed the dissemination date for the FOIA-disclosable NPPES data until August 1, 2007, 60 days after the initial Notice by CMS. An additional document published on June 20, 2007, entitled “National Plan and Provider Enumeration System NPPES Data Elements – Data Dissemination – Information for Providers,” assists providers in knowing which FOIA-disclosable data can be updated, changed, or deleted.

Sometime in the near future, CMS will provide more information regarding the date by which changes must be submitted into the initial downloadable file. CMS understands the urgency within the healthcare industry to receive FOIA-disclosable NPPES healthcare provider data; however CMS is aware that taking precautionary measures when disseminating NPPES data is in the best interest of the industry, especially the healthcare providers.