NACDS urges prescribers to obtain NPI, expresses concerns on drug delays
ALEXANDRIA, Va. New regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have inspired the National Association of Chain Drug Stores to call on organizations nationwide to help ensure compliance, according to published reports.
The regulations, which take effect on May 23, 2008, require that all pharmacies submit a prescriber’s National Provider Identifier on all prescription drug claims to ensure that patients will get reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid prescriptions. To spread the word, the NACDS has sent letters to over 70 groups that represent the field, including patients and prescribers.
“Approximately one-third of prescribers do not have an NPI yet,” said NACDS President and CEO Steve Anderson. “We want to work with prescribers to achieve universal NPI compliance and ensure that Medicare and Medicaid patients can get their medications.” Based on the regulations, patients of doctors who do not have an NPI may have to pay full expenses out-of-pocket or not receive their medications at all.