Steven Roberts New Jersey Npi Number 609

Steven Roberts, a healthcareprovider operating within the state of New Jersey, is associated with the National Provider Identifier (NPI) number 609. Understanding this NPI number is crucial for patients, insurance companies, and other healthcare entities interacting with his practice. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the NPI system, explains the significance of Steven Roberts' NPI 609, and offers guidance on verifying such information.

Introduction The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a fundamental element of the U.S. healthcare infrastructure. Introduced as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, the NPI serves as a unique, ten-digit identification number for covered healthcare providers. Its primary purpose is to streamline administrative transactions and enhance the accuracy of health information exchange. When you encounter a provider's NPI number, such as 609 linked to Steven Roberts in New Jersey, it acts as a critical reference point for verifying their credentials, locating their practice details, and facilitating billing processes. This article delves into the structure and verification of NPI numbers, specifically focusing on the case of Steven Roberts and his NPI 609.

Steps to Verify Steven Roberts' NPI Number 609

1. Access the Official NPI Registry: The definitive source for NPI information is the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Visit the official NPPES website: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/
2. Utilize the Search Functionality: On the NPPES homepage, locate the search bar labeled "Find a Provider." Enter the NPI number 609 directly into this search field. Alternatively, you can search by provider name (Steven Roberts) or location (New Jersey).
3. Review Search Results: After submitting your search, the system will return a list of matching providers. Carefully examine the results. Look for the provider's full name, NPI number, taxonomy code (indicating their specialty), address, and other contact details.
4. Confirm the Match: Identify the entry that precisely matches "Steven Roberts" and the NPI number 609. Verify the associated taxonomy code, practice address in New Jersey, and any other details provided. Ensure the information aligns with what you know about Steven Roberts' practice.
5. Document the Findings: Once you confirm the NPI number 609 is correctly associated with Steven Roberts and his New Jersey practice, record this information along with the date of verification for your records. This ensures you have accurate data for billing, referrals, or patient communication.

Scientific Explanation: The Structure and Significance of NPI Numbers

The NPI number is a critical identifier within the U.S. healthcare system, designed for robustness and uniqueness. Here's a breakdown of its structure and purpose:

• The Number Itself (609): The NPI is a ten-digit numeric sequence. The first digit(s) can indicate the geographic region where the provider first registered their NPI. For example, NPI numbers starting with 1 or 2 were originally assigned to providers in specific regions, but this geographic coding is no longer strictly enforced or predictive. The remaining digits are unique to the individual provider or organization. The number 609 itself is simply a sequence within this ten-digit format.
• Purpose and Functionality: The core purpose of the NPI is to replace multiple, outdated provider identification numbers (like UPINs or Medicaid numbers) with a single, universal identifier. This eliminates confusion caused by different providers sharing the same name or different providers using the same number. It enables:
  • Efficient Administrative Transactions: Insurance claims, eligibility checks, and other administrative communications are processed faster and with fewer errors.
  • Accurate Health Information Exchange: Providers, health plans, and clearinghouses can reliably identify each other, ensuring patient data is correctly attributed and shared securely.
  • Enhanced Provider Directory Management: Patients and other healthcare entities can easily find and verify a provider's current status and contact details.
• Verification and Updates: The NPPES system allows providers to update their information (name, address, taxonomy, etc.) and ensures that the NPI number remains active. It's vital to verify the NPI number directly through the official NPPES website or through trusted healthcare software systems, as information can change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Why is the NPI number important for patients?
  • A: Patients need the NPI number to ensure they are seeing a verified healthcare provider. It helps them confirm the provider's credentials, check if their insurance is accepted, and ensures accurate billing. Knowing Steven Roberts' NPI 609 allows patients to verify his status through official channels.
• Q: Can I find Steven Roberts' NPI number on his business card or website?
  • A: Yes, reputable healthcare providers are required to display their NPI number on their business cards, websites, and any official correspondence. You should be able to find 609 listed there as part of his practice's contact information.
• Q: What if I cannot find Steven Roberts' NPI number 609 in the NPPES search?
  • A: If the search returns no results or unexpected information, it could indicate an error in the number provided, a recent registration not yet updated in the system, or a potential issue with the provider's status. In this case, contacting Steven Roberts' practice directly or checking with your insurance provider is recommended.
• Q: Is the NPI number the same as a medical license number?
  • A: No. The NPI number is a separate, federally issued identifier for administrative and billing purposes. A medical license number is issued by the state medical board and verifies the provider's authorization to practice medicine within that specific state. While related, they are distinct identifiers.
• Q: How often is the NPI registry updated?
  • A: The NPPES system is updated regularly as providers register, change their information, or deactivate their NPI. Updates can occur daily, but it's always best to verify information directly through the official portal or your healthcare software.

Conclusion

The NPI number 609 associated with Steven Roberts represents a critical piece of identification within the U.S. healthcare system. It serves as a unique, standardized identifier mandated by HIPAA, facilitating accurate and efficient administrative transactions and health information exchange. Verifying this NPI number through the official