National Provider Identifier (NPI)
The U.S. Department for Health and Human Services established the National Provider Identifier (NPI) as the standard unique identifier for health care providers that are covered entities under HIPAA.
Under HIPAA regulations, health care providers needed to replace their Blue Cross provider numbers with a new identifier by May 2008. Blue Cross only accepts NPI transactions.
How to update an NPI
An updated NPI can be submitted through Provider Web Self-Service or by completing a Provider Demographic Change form (PDF) for any contracting provider/facility or practitioner already set up on our system. (For new contracting providers/facilities or practitioners, the NPI should be entered on the initial request forms.)
Fax to (651) 662-6684 or mail to:
Provider Data Operations, S116
PO Box 64560
St. Paul, MN 55164-0560
*Please allow up to 60 days for completion of this process.*
NPI questions & answers (PDF)
CMS – general HIPAA information 
CMS – NPI background and application process
CMS – NPI application process through Electronic File Interchange
National Plan and Provider Enumeration System
Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange