NCPDP offers NPI look-up

Responding to CMS' calls for healthcare providers to get and share their NPI numbers, NCPDP has created a special look-up tool that pharmacists can use to search for physician data. The HCIdea Prescriber database includes prescribers, their addresses, phone numbers, licensure, specialties, and DEA information. Beginning in August, when NPI numbers are publicly released, the database will also include NPI numbers. The database is based on a system that NCPDP created for the Department of Defense. According to Cathy Graeff, R.Ph, senior VP of communications and industry relations for NCPDP, pharmacies may buy an annual subscription to the database for up to $500, with discounts for multiple locations or users. "Now all pharmacies can have the ability to verify physician information, validate NPIs, and better control prescription fraud and abuse," Graeff stated.

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