In a practice with multiple dentists, which type of NPI number should be used for billing?

In a practice with multiple dentists, the appropriate type of National Provider Identifier (NPI) number for billing purposes is a Type 2 NPI. Type 2 NPIs are used for organizational entities, such as groups of practitioners or clinics, and are essential when the billing is done at the organizational level rather than individually. When multiple dentists work under the same practice, it is more efficient and practical to utilize a Type 2 NPI for billing to reflect the practice as a whole.

This allows the practice to submit claims and receive payments under one identifier, streamlining the billing process. Each dentist could still have their own Type 1 NPI for individual identification, but for billing the group’s services as an organization, the Type 2 NPI is required. This ensures compliance with billing regulations and allows for proper mapping of services rendered to the correct entity.