It is estimated to take 4 months after getting an NPI to be ready to test and use it. With a May 23, 2007, compliance date to use your NPI in all HIPAA standard transactions, less than 3 months remain! Without an NPI, claims you make after May 23,may be adversely affected with payment delayed or possibly even denied. Providers can apply online for their NPI, free of charge, by visiting https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov or by calling (800) 465-3203 to request a paper application. The CMS NPI page, located at www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/, is the only source for official CMS education and information on the NPI initiative; all products located on this site are free of charge.