Bureau of Workers Compensation Adds NPI Information to Database

As recently posted on the BWC web site: BWC will now allow providers to incorporate their National Provider Identifier (NPI) into the bureau’s billing processes. Providers may incorporate the NPI if it fits their business processes. BWC does not view NPI as replacements for the BWC provider rather BWC views NPIs as alternates or additional identifiers providers can use in Ohio workers’ compensation billing. The bureau is making changes to add NPI information to its database to cross-reference BWC provider numbers. Providers wishing to incorporate NPI into their workers' compensation billing must provide and verify their information with BWC’s provider relations department. Providers should submit copies of their NPI confirmation from the enumerator (Fox Systems Inc.) along with their corresponding BWC provider number to the fax number or address below. Fax to: BWC Provider Enrollment (614) 621-1333 or Mail to: Ohio BWC Provider Enrollment P.O. Box 182031 Columbus, OH 43218-2031.

Once this process is complete, a provider may bill using either his or her BWC provider number or a combination of both the BWC provider number and NPI (and taxonomy code if applicable). Again, BWC does not require providers to use NPIs for billing. Providers who wish to transition to billing BWC using their NPI information only should first bill using both identifiers (the BWC provider number plus the NPI). BWC will add new explanation of benefit codes to remittances to confirm it has added NPI data to a provider’s record. Once confirmed, the provider may choose to bill using the NPI rather than the BWC provider number. Please be aware that BWC can only accommodate NPIs on forms for the billing processes noted above. The bureau is looking to accommodate future use of NPIs on other medical documents but is not set up to do so at this time. BWC has instructed managed care organizations to identify medical providers using NPIs on any form other than a bill, attempt to cross-reference their information, and then inform the provider to use its BWC provider number until the bureau can accommodate NPI in other processes.