What is a National Provider Identification (NPI) number?

An NPI number is a 10 digit numerical identifier for providers of healthcare services. It is national in scope and unique to the provider.

What is the purpose of a National Provider Identification (NPI) number?

The NPI number is a single identification number that is issued by the federal government to health care providers. It is intended to improve the efficiency of the health care system and help to reduce fraud and abuse.

Who can receive a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number?

An NPI Number will be assigned to health care providers and professionals who need them to submit claims or conduct other transactions. A “health care provider” is defined as an individual, group, or organization that provides medical or other health services.

Can a Health Educator have a National Insurance Provider (NPI) number?

Yes, appropriately trained and credentialed health educators and patient health educators are eligible to submit an application to receive an NPI number. They may also apply for and receive professional liability insurance for health education services.

Can a Health Educator’s services be billed for and reimbursed?

Yes, there are two avenues for billing and potential reimbursement. Where applicable, and with the appropriate CPT codes, services of a health educator may be billed for and reimbursable through a medical practice, physician’s practice, nurse practitioner’s practice or other medical professional provider’s office. Patients who receive services directly from a health educator, with a National Insurance Identification number, may be able to submit the services to their employer’s Flex Spending or similar healthcare spending plan.

What qualifications must the Health Educator have for billing?

The qualifications of the non-physician health care professionals who provide health education, and the content of the educational and training program, must be consistent with guidelines or standards established or recognized by a physician society, non-physician healthcare professional society/association, or other appropriate source.

Where can I learn more about appropriate training and credentialing in patient health education for non-physician health professionals?

The National Institute of Whole Health has been providing professionally accredited/approved professional development programs and continuing education courses in patient health education since 1977. For more information about available post-professional patient health education training you may contact NIWH at 888-354-4325 or contact us.

NIWH Celebrates Nurses Month

Established in 1977, the National Institute of Whole Health (NIWH), pioneers and researchers of Whole Health – the country’s oldest and only I.C.E. and ANA nationally accredited Whole Health training program – is celebrating national Nurses Month. Throughout our culture, nurses are found to provide the heart-felt care that has earned them the reputation of being “the hands and hearts of health care.”

In recognition of the outstanding work and service of nurses in healthcare, NIWH is offering a special Nurses Month Scholarship for all new nurse learners. Please contact conor@niwh.org for more information on this offer!

Rooted in the visionary work of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, today’s nurses continue to engage in the patient centered care exemplified by the “Lady with the Lamp.” It is this commitment that has earned nurses the top spot in the annual Gallup poll for the “Most Trusted Profession” for 20 years in a row.

The NIWH 3 in 1 Whole Health Program for nurse professionals, inspired by Florence Nightingale’s vision, provides qualified applicants with a Whole Person, evidence-based knowledge needed for today’s healthcare landscape. Many healthcare professionals, including nurses, are shifting their work to a model of whole health centered care, patient education, wellness, and disease prevention.

Our ANCC approved courses provide learners with the whole package for success! As the scope of nursing practice includes patient education, the NIWH training allows for an additional and separate scope of practice in Whole Health Education®, built upon your nurse training.

Becoming a credentialed nurse educator will provide you the opportunity to receive a separate specialty, National Provider Identification (NPI) number and professional liability insurance for your work as a Patient Health Educator. You can utilize the NPI for private practice, as well as in a physician led medical facility, to empower individuals to take greater control over their health by understanding the how and why of their health care concerns.

To learn more about our program, visit our website.

Meet some of our graduates (featured below) and see how they are applying their training!