Forms
Online forms explained: FAQs and insights into Hush™ Secure Forms
Read this guide for answers to all your questions on using online forms in a small healthcare practice.
Confused about endpoints in your NPI application? Learn what they are and how to quickly get one using Hush™ Secure Forms.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Are you a healthcare provider applying for your National Provider Identifier (NPI)? You might have noticed a section about "endpoints" and wondered, "What's that and do I need it?"
Most providers aren't sure what to do with this section during their NPI application. While the endpoint section on your NPI application might seem optional, it's an opportunity to add security and efficiency to your practice.
This guide is for you if you need help with endpoints in an NPI application form. You'll get answers to the following questions:
- What is an endpoint in the NPI application form?
- How to get an endpoint for NPI using Hush™ Secure Forms
But first things first, what’s an NPI?
National Provider Identifier (NPI) at a glance: A refresher for healthcare practitioners
Before we talk about NPI endpoints, let’s have a quick recap on key NPI information.
What is an NPI and why do you need one?
An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique 10-digit number that identifies you as a healthcare provider. It's essential for billing insurance, participating in electronic transactions (e.g., sending prescriptions, claims, and lab results), and ensuring your professional identity within the healthcare system.
It’s also a requirement for all healthcare providers who handle protected health information (PHI) electronically, regardless of practice size. Your NPI won't change even if your name, address, or other information changes.
There are two types of NPI:
- Entity Type 1: Individual providers (therapists, doctors, dentists, etc.). Each individual gets one NPI.
- Entity Type 2: Organizations (hospitals, clinics, group practices). Large organizations can have multiple NPIs for different departments.
How to get an NPI
You can get an NPI through the following options:
- Apply online through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) website. This is the easiest and most convenient way for small practices.
- Apply by mail using a paper application available on the CMS website.
- Apply through a third-party organization that can submit applications on behalf of multiple providers.
What you'll need to apply for an NPI
Before applying for an NPI, make sure that you have the following:
- Social Security Number (or Employer Identification Number for organizations)
- Professional license information
- Business and practice location addresses
- Contact information
If you need more information on how to apply for your NPI online, here's a step-by-step guide by the NPPES team.
Now, having covered the basics, let’s move on to the core topic of this guide.
What is an endpoint in the NPI application form?
As you fill out the NPI application form, you'll come across a section called Endpoints for Exchanging Healthcare Information.
So, what does an endpoint mean in the context of an NPI application?
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👉 What is an endpoint in your NPI application? An endpoint is a secure digital location where PHI can be sent and received electronically. It operates like a mailbox for your practice's electronic health records. It's also where other healthcare providers can securely send you PHI, like lab results, referral letters, or clinical notes. |
Now, you must provide enough information about this "mailbox" so others can find it and connect securely. This includes a specific address or identifier for the mailbox. Think of it this way: if you send a package (the PHI), you need the recipient's full address to ensure it arrives at the right place. An endpoint helps make this happen.
It's important to note that this "mailbox" isn't necessarily part of your current system; it could be a separate, secure location hosted elsewhere.
Why is an endpoint important for your NPI application?
While it's optional to provide an endpoint on your NPI application, it offers several benefits for your practice:
- Faster, secure information: Easily receive referrals, lab results, and other health information electronically.
- Improved client care: Coordinate care more effectively with other providers.
- Enhanced security: Protect client information with encryption
- Modernized practice: Show that your practice uses secure technology.
What can you use as an endpoint in your NPI application?
In your NPI application, you can use the following as endpoints: Direct Messaging Address, FHIR URL, RESTful URL, SOAP URL and Other URL.
As a small healthcare practitioner, you don't have to worry about Direct Messaging Addresses, FHRI URLs, RESTful URLs, or SOAP URLs. These are more advanced options that larger organizations or software developers typically use. Instead, we'll focus on a more straightforward option called "Other URL".
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👉 Hush™ Secure Forms offers a simple and HIPAA-compliant way to create an endpoint for your practice. When you sign up for Hushmail for Healthcare, you'll receive a unique web address for your secure forms that you can use as your "Other URL" endpoint on your NPI application. |
How to use Hush™ Secure Forms as an NPI registration endpoint
You have two options when using Hush™ Secure Forms as an endpoint in your NPI application:
Secure Contact Form
A basic Secure Contact Form, like the one used by Tweedy Medical Group, allows anyone to contact your practice securely. When used as an endpoint, you'll receive the form submissions encrypted. Other healthcare providers can also use it to contact you and share protected information.
Secure File Transfer Form
A Secure File Transfer Form, like the one used by Dr Kara Dionisio's practice (medical record submission), allows clients and other healthcare providers to send confidential documents and files to your practice securely.
It's a great option if you're looking for an easy way to comply with HIPAA regulations and protect client privacy.
This type of form is already set up and ready to use immediately. Plus, secure delivery is guaranteed, as the information you’ll receive is encrypted and sent to your inbox. It also includes a PDF attachment to your email, which you can easily save or upload to your EHR. All sensitive client information is encrypted and hosted on secure servers, ensuring its confidentiality.
The best part about choosing Hush™ Secure Forms is you also get to enjoy the following benefits:
- Ready-made templates: Jumpstart your form creation with pre-designed templates tailored to various needs.
- Direct delivery to your inbox: Completed forms, along with a handy PDF attachment, are sent directly to your secure Hushmail inbox.
- Easy, encrypted communication: Continue the conversation with clients securely through encrypted email replies.
👉 Learn more: How Hush™ Secure Forms can be a HIPAA-compliant substitute for fax
How to add Hush™ Secure Forms as an NPI endpoint
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add Hush™ Secure Forms as your NPI endpoint, including how to fill out the relevant sections of the application:
1. Sign up for Hushmail for Healthcare
If you don't already have a Hushmail for Healthcare account, you'll need to sign up for a plan that includes forms.
2. Create or choose a secure form
If you already have a form you'd like to use, copy its URL. If not, create a new secure form specifically for receiving client information.
Customize it to fit your needs (e.g., add fields for client name, contact information, and a message box).
3. Copy the form's web address
This is the "endpoint" you'll provide on your NPI application.
4. Fill out the NPI Endpoint section
Here's what it may look like when you fill out yours:
Type of Endpoint: Select "Other URL"
Endpoint: Paste the copied Hush™ Secure Form URL
Endpoint Description: Write "Secure web form for receiving confidential client information"
Endpoint Use: Select "Other"
Endpoint Content Type: Select "Other" and specify "Protected health information"
Is the Endpoint affiliated to another organization? Choose between "Yes" or "No" if your practice is affiliated with another organization. If you're affiliated with another healthcare organization, select "Yes" and search for that organization using its NPI, EIN, or LBN. The results will appear below the search bar. If you're not affiliated with another organization, choose "No".
Location of the Endpoint: After finding the correct affiliation, select the associated location from the dropdown menu. If your location isn't listed, choose 'Add New Endpoint Location' and manually enter the address. The system will automatically standardize the address for you.
Once you've filled out all the necessary information, check the acknowledgment box before saving. Then click "Save."
5. Submit your application
Complete the rest of your NPI application and submit it. Here are some key considerations before submitting your application:
- Double-check the URL: Ensure you've copied and pasted the correct Hush™ Secure Form URL.
- Test your form before hitting submit: Before submitting your NPI application, test your form to ensure it's working properly. Send yourself a test message or file to confirm it's received securely.
Use secure forms as an NPI registration endpoint
The NPI application process can feel overwhelming, especially with the complexities of endpoints. With our secure forms, you're not just checking a box on your NPI application. You're actively embracing a secure and efficient method to receive PHI.
Give Hush™ Secure Forms a spin by signing up for Hushmail for Healthcare. All of our plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
