Rachel Johnson Physical Therapist Tennessee Npi Number

A unique identifier, issued by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), is assigned to each healthcare provider in the United States. This number allows for efficient tracking and verification of healthcare professionals’ credentials, ensuring accurate identification for billing, referrals, and other administrative processes. Locating a specific practitioner in a particular state, such as Tennessee, can be facilitated using this numeric identifier in conjunction with other identifying information, such as name and profession.

This system offers significant benefits for patients, providers, and the healthcare system as a whole. It streamlines administrative tasks, reduces errors in identification, and enhances the overall efficiency of healthcare operations. The standardized identification system helps prevent fraud and abuse and promotes transparency and accountability within the healthcare industry. Established as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, the NPI system plays a crucial role in modern healthcare administration.

Understanding how this identification system functions is essential for navigating the complexities of healthcare. The following sections will delve deeper into related topics, including locating provider information, verifying credentials, and the role of the NPI in healthcare transactions.

Tips for Locating Healthcare Provider Information

Locating reliable information about healthcare providers is crucial for informed decision-making. The following tips offer guidance on efficiently accessing and verifying provider details.

Tip 1: Utilize the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) website. The NPPES website provides a free, publicly available directory where users can search for providers using the NPI, name, or other identifying information. This is an authoritative source for verifying a provider’s active status.

Tip 2: Consult State Licensing Boards. Each state maintains a licensing board that oversees healthcare professionals. These boards offer online resources to verify licenses and check for disciplinary actions. Contacting the specific state board, such as the Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy, can provide valuable information.

Tip 3: Review Professional Organization Directories. Professional organizations, like the American Physical Therapy Association, often maintain directories of their members. These directories can offer additional details about a provider’s specialization and credentials.

Tip 4: Consider Online Healthcare Provider Directories. Several reputable online directories compile information about healthcare providers, often including patient reviews and ratings. While helpful, these resources should be used in conjunction with official sources like NPPES and state licensing boards.

Tip 5: Check with Health Insurance Providers. Insurance companies often provide online directories of in-network providers. This can be a practical starting point for finding providers who accept specific insurance plans.

By utilizing these resources, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of a healthcare provider’s background, qualifications, and standing. Verifying information through official sources is essential for ensuring accurate and reliable data.

These tips facilitate informed healthcare decisions, fostering a transparent and trustworthy relationship between patients and providers. Following these recommendations promotes a proactive approach to healthcare management.

1. Rachel Johnson (Name)

Within the context of a healthcare provider search, “Rachel Johnson” serves as the starting point for identifying a specific individual. When combined with other identifiers like profession, location, and NPI, the name allows for differentiation among numerous practitioners. This specificity is crucial in a field where accurate identification is paramount for patient safety and effective care.

• Name as an Identifier

  The name functions as the primary identifier, distinguishing one individual from another. In healthcare, where numerous practitioners may share the same profession and location, the name “Rachel Johnson” helps narrow the field. While not unique on its own, the name becomes increasingly specific when combined with other criteria.

• Potential for Variation

  Names can have variations in spelling, abbreviations, or use of middle names. Searching for “Rachel Johnson” may require considering variations like “R. Johnson” or “Rachel J. Johnson” to ensure all relevant records are retrieved. Awareness of potential name variations enhances search accuracy.

• Contextual Significance

  The name gains relevance in conjunction with the professional designation “physical therapist” and the location “Tennessee.” These elements combined create a more specific search, narrowing down potential matches to those who fulfill all criteria. This reduces ambiguity and refines the search process.

• Link to NPI

  Ultimately, the name “Rachel Johnson” leads to the identification of a specific individual’s NPI. The NPI provides a definitive, unique identifier, ensuring accurate identification and facilitating processes like insurance claims and referrals. The name acts as the initial access point to this crucial information.

The name, while seemingly simple, plays a critical role in the accurate identification of a healthcare provider. Combined with professional details, location, and the NPI, “Rachel Johnson” becomes a key component in navigating the complex landscape of healthcare information. This ensures that patients connect with the correct provider, promoting efficient care and administrative processes.

2. Physical Therapist (Profession)

The designation “Physical Therapist” acts as a crucial filtering element within the search query “rachel johnson physical therapist tennessee npi number.” It clarifies the specific healthcare profession sought, differentiating Rachel Johnson from individuals with the same name in other fields. This specialization is essential for accurate identification within the healthcare landscape. Without the professional designation, the search would yield numerous unrelated results, hindering effective identification. Specifying “Physical Therapist” ensures the search focuses solely on practitioners within that field, a critical step in verifying credentials and locating the correct provider. For example, a search for “Rachel Johnson, Tennessee” might return results for individuals in various professions, but adding “Physical Therapist” narrows the results to only those holding the relevant license and expertise.

The inclusion of “Physical Therapist” is integral to connecting the individual’s name with the correct NPI. The NPI system categorizes providers by profession. Therefore, specifying “Physical Therapist” ensures the search retrieves the NPI associated with Rachel Johnson’s physical therapy practice, not any other potential professional registrations she might hold. This distinction is particularly relevant for individuals with multiple professional certifications. For instance, if a hypothetical “Rachel Johnson” were also a registered dietitian, the inclusion of “Physical Therapist” ensures the search retrieves the NPI for her physical therapy practice, and not her dietitian credentials. This precise identification is crucial for accurate billing, referrals, and maintaining accurate provider records.

Understanding the significance of “Physical Therapist” within the search highlights the interconnectedness of each component. It underscores the importance of specificity in navigating healthcare provider databases. The profession acts as a critical link between the individual’s name and their unique identifier, the NPI, facilitating accurate and efficient identification within the complex healthcare system. The absence of this clarifying term would significantly hinder the search process, potentially leading to misidentification or incomplete information. Accurate identification, facilitated by the inclusion of “Physical Therapist,” benefits patients, providers, and the overall efficiency of healthcare operations.

3. Tennessee (Location)

The “Tennessee” component within the search phrase “rachel johnson physical therapist tennessee npi number” provides crucial geographical context. It narrows the search to a specific state, refining the results and contributing significantly to accurate provider identification. This geographical specificity is essential because healthcare licensing and NPIs are managed at the state level.

• State-Specific Licensing

  Healthcare practitioners are licensed at the state level. Therefore, specifying “Tennessee” ensures the search targets only practitioners licensed to operate within that state. This is critical for verifying a provider’s qualifications and legitimacy, as a valid license in one state does not automatically grant permission to practice in another. This facet reflects the legal and regulatory frameworks governing healthcare practice.

• Geographical Scope of Practice

  A physical therapist licensed in Tennessee is typically authorized to practice only within that state’s geographical boundaries. The “Tennessee” specification ensures the search results reflect providers who are legally permitted to offer services in the specified location. This has practical implications for patients seeking care within their state of residence.

• NPI and State Affiliation

  While the NPI itself is a national identifier, it is linked to the state where the healthcare provider is authorized to practice. Including “Tennessee” helps filter NPI search results to those associated with practitioners registered in that state. This reinforces the importance of location in connecting the NPI to a specific provider’s practice location.

• Relevance to Patient Search

  Patients seeking a physical therapist often limit their search to their local area. Specifying “Tennessee” refines the results to providers accessible to patients within that state, streamlining the process of finding local care. This reflects the practical application of location-based provider searches.

The “Tennessee” specification acts as a crucial geographical filter, ensuring the search for “rachel johnson physical therapist tennessee npi number” yields relevant and accurate results. It connects the individual’s name and profession to a specific location, facilitating the identification of a provider who is both qualified and geographically accessible. This underscores the importance of considering location within healthcare provider searches and the interconnectedness of each component in identifying the correct practitioner. The absence of this geographical specification would significantly broaden the search, potentially including practitioners not licensed or located in Tennessee, thus hindering efficient identification.

4. NPI (Identifier Type)

The “NPI (Identifier Type)” component denotes the use of the National Provider Identifier as the key to accessing specific provider information. Within the search “rachel johnson physical therapist tennessee npi number,” the NPI acts as the unique, federally-issued identifier that distinguishes Rachel Johnson from other individuals with the same name and profession in Tennessee. This identifier ensures accurate identification and facilitates efficient healthcare transactions.

Understanding the NPI’s role is crucial because this 10-digit number serves as a linchpin connecting various healthcare processes. For instance, when submitting insurance claims, using the correct NPI ensures accurate billing and reimbursement. Similarly, referrals to specialists rely on NPIs for accurate provider identification, streamlining care coordination. Without the NPI, the potential for errors in identification increases, leading to administrative inefficiencies and potential delays in care. The NPI also allows for verification of a provider’s credentials through the NPPES registry, adding a layer of transparency and accountability.

The NPI’s significance extends beyond individual transactions. It plays a vital role in healthcare data analysis and research. Using NPIs, researchers can track provider performance, analyze healthcare utilization patterns, and assess the effectiveness of different treatments. This data-driven approach contributes to improved healthcare policy and resource allocation. The NPI, therefore, not only streamlines individual transactions but also contributes to broader improvements in healthcare systems. Its inclusion in the search ensures that accurate, standardized identification is used, facilitating effective communication and administration within the healthcare industry.

5. Number (Unique Code)

The “Number (Unique Code)” component, representing the actual NPI, forms the ultimate target of the search query “rachel johnson physical therapist tennessee npi number.” This 10-digit numeric code, assigned by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), functions as the unique identifier for a specific healthcare provider. All other elements of the search query name, profession, and location converge on this unique numeric identifier. Without the specific NPI, differentiation between practitioners with similar names or professional designations in the same geographical area becomes significantly more challenging. This underscores the NPI’s crucial role in accurate provider identification.

Consider a scenario involving insurance claim processing. Submitting a claim with an incorrect NPI, even if the provider’s name and location are correct, can lead to claim rejection or processing delays. This highlights the practical significance of the NPI’s unique code. Similarly, during referrals, the NPI ensures the intended specialist receives the patient information, preventing misdirection and facilitating efficient care coordination. Furthermore, the NPI facilitates data analysis and quality improvement initiatives in healthcare. Researchers and policymakers rely on NPIs to track provider performance, analyze healthcare trends, and assess the effectiveness of different treatments. The ability to link data to specific providers through their unique NPIs allows for granular analysis and informed decision-making.

The NPIs function as a unique identifier within “rachel johnson physical therapist tennessee npi number” directly impacts efficient healthcare administration, accurate billing, and streamlined communication between healthcare entities. Challenges can arise if an NPI is incorrectly recorded or omitted. This can lead to denied claims, misdirected referrals, and difficulties in accessing accurate provider information. Understanding the crucial role of the NPI as a unique identifying code emphasizes the need for accuracy and underscores its importance within the broader context of healthcare operations and data management.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries regarding healthcare provider identification and the role of the National Provider Identifier (NPI).

Question 1: What is the purpose of an NPI?

The NPI is a unique 10-digit identification number assigned to all healthcare providers in the United States. Its primary purpose is to standardize provider identification for administrative transactions, such as billing, referrals, and eligibility verification. This system streamlines healthcare operations and reduces errors associated with inaccurate identification.

Question 2: How can the NPI be used to verify a provider’s credentials?

The NPI, in conjunction with other identifying information like name and state, can be used to verify provider credentials through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) website. This publicly available database allows users to confirm a provider’s active status and other relevant information.

Question 3: Is the NPI required for all healthcare providers?

Yes, HIPAA mandates that all healthcare providers who electronically transmit health information in connection with standard transactions use an NPI. This includes individuals, organizations, and groups providing healthcare services.

Question 4: What is the relationship between the NPI and state licensing?

While the NPI is a national identifier, it is linked to the state in which the provider is authorized to practice. State licensing boards oversee the qualifications and practice standards for healthcare professionals within their jurisdiction. Verification of state licensure is a separate but essential step in confirming a provider’s credentials.

Question 5: How does the NPI benefit patients?

The NPI facilitates accurate provider identification, reducing the risk of errors in billing and referrals. This streamlined process benefits patients by ensuring efficient healthcare administration and promoting the timely delivery of services.

Question 6: How can one obtain a provider’s NPI?

Provider NPIs are publicly available through the NPPES website. This online directory allows individuals to search for providers by name, location, or other identifying information, providing easy access to verified NPI information.

Accurate provider identification is paramount in ensuring efficient and effective healthcare. The NPI system plays a vital role in this process. Utilizing available resources, such as the NPPES registry and state licensing boards, empowers individuals to verify provider information and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

For further exploration, the following section offers additional resources and guidance on navigating the healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

Accurate identification of healthcare providers is critical for efficient healthcare administration, effective communication, and patient safety. Utilizing the National Provider Identifier (NPI) as a standardized identifier, combined with other identifying information such as name, profession, and location, ensures clarity and precision in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. The exploration of the components within a search query like “rachel johnson physical therapist tennessee npi number” illustrates the importance of each element in accurately pinpointing a specific practitioner. Each piece of information contributes to a comprehensive and reliable identification process. Understanding the function and significance of the NPI, along with the supporting identifiers, is crucial for patients, providers, and all stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of accurate provider identification will become increasingly important. Leveraging standardized identifiers like the NPI promotes interoperability, reduces administrative burdens, and ultimately contributes to a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Diligence in utilizing and verifying provider information empowers informed decision-making and strengthens the foundation of a transparent and accountable healthcare landscape.