Examining the difference between an NPI and a PTAN provider types

Providers and suppliers receiving requests to revalidate their enrollment information have asked CMS to clarify the differences between the national provider identifier (NPI) and a provider transaction access number (PTAN). All providers and suppliers who provide services and bill Medicare for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries must have an NPI. Upon application to a Medicare contractor, the provider or supplier will also be issued a PTAN. While only the NPI can be submitted on claims, the PTAN is a critical number directly linked to the provider or supplier’s NPI. If the provider has relationships with one or more medical groups or practices or with multiple Medicare contractors, separate PTANs are generally assigned. Together, the NPI and PTAN identify the provider, or supplier in the Medicare program.