Are you looking for information on Christine Bhinder, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)? Maybe you need her National Provider Identifier (NPI) number for verification purposes, or perhaps you're just curious about her practice. Whatever your reason, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about Christine Bhinder DPM, including how to find her NPI number and other relevant details. We'll cover the importance of NPI numbers in healthcare, how they're used, and where you can reliably find this information. So, let's dive in and get you the details you're searching for!

What is an NPI Number and Why Does it Matter?

Before we delve into finding Christine Bhinder's NPI number, let's quickly cover what an NPI number actually is and why it's so important in the healthcare world. An NPI number, or National Provider Identifier, is a unique 10-digit identification number issued to healthcare providers in the United States by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Think of it as a social security number, but for healthcare providers. It's a standard identification method that simplifies administrative tasks and ensures consistent identification across the healthcare system.

Why is it so crucial? Well, NPI numbers are used for a multitude of reasons:

• Billing and Claims: NPI numbers are essential for submitting healthcare claims to insurance companies. They ensure that the correct provider is identified and that claims are processed accurately and efficiently. Without an NPI number, a provider can't bill Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance companies.
• Electronic Transactions: In our increasingly digital world, NPI numbers play a vital role in electronic healthcare transactions. They're used in electronic prescriptions, referrals, and other digital communications between healthcare providers and organizations.
• Data Tracking and Analysis: NPI numbers allow healthcare organizations and government agencies to track and analyze data related to healthcare providers. This information can be used to identify trends, monitor quality of care, and improve healthcare delivery.
• Credentialing and Verification: Healthcare organizations use NPI numbers to verify the credentials of healthcare providers. This helps ensure that providers are properly licensed and qualified to provide care.
• Preventing Fraud: NPI numbers help to prevent fraud by providing a unique identifier for each healthcare provider. This makes it more difficult for individuals to impersonate providers or submit fraudulent claims.

In short, the NPI number is a fundamental element in the modern healthcare system, facilitating everything from billing to data analysis and helping to maintain the integrity of the system as a whole. For patients, knowing that their healthcare providers have valid NPI numbers offers assurance that they are dealing with legitimate and recognized professionals.

How to Find Christine Bhinder's NPI Number

Alright, let's get down to the main task: finding Christine Bhinder's NPI number. The good news is that this information is publicly available, thanks to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). This system is managed by CMS, and it's essentially a giant directory of healthcare providers and their NPI numbers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find the NPI number:

1. Visit the NPPES NPI Registry Website: The first step is to head over to the official NPPES NPI Registry website. You can easily find it by searching "NPI Registry" on any search engine like Google, DuckDuckGo, or Bing. The official website usually appears at the top of the search results.
2. Enter the Provider's Name: Once you're on the NPI Registry website, you'll see a search form. In the form, enter "Christine Bhinder" in the appropriate fields for the provider's first and last name. Make sure to double-check the spelling to avoid any errors.
3. Specify Location (Optional): To narrow down your search results, you can also enter the city and state where Christine Bhinder practices. This is especially helpful if there are multiple providers with the same or similar names. If you know the city and state, go ahead and enter that information.
4. Search by Specialty (Optional): Since you know that Christine Bhinder is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), you can also specify this in the search form. This will further refine the search results and help you find the correct NPI number more quickly.
5. Submit the Search: Once you've entered all the relevant information, click the "Search" button. The NPI Registry will then search its database for matching records.
6. Review the Search Results: After submitting the search, you'll be presented with a list of search results. Look for the listing that matches Christine Bhinder's information, including her name, specialty (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine), and location. If there are multiple listings, carefully review each one to ensure you've found the correct provider.
7. View the NPI Number: Once you've found the correct listing, click on it to view the provider's full details. On the details page, you'll find Christine Bhinder's NPI number, along with other information such as her business address, phone number, and taxonomy code.

Tips for a Successful Search:

• Double-check the spelling of the provider's name.
• Use the provider's full name (first name and last name) for the most accurate results.
• Specify the location (city and state) to narrow down the search.
• Use the provider's specialty (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) to refine the search further.

Additional Information You Might Find

Besides the NPI number, the NPI Registry can provide a wealth of other useful information about Christine Bhinder's practice. This can include:

• Full Name: The provider's complete name, including first name, last name, and any middle name or initial.
• Business Address: The address of the provider's primary place of business. This is where they typically see patients or conduct their practice.
• Phone Number: The phone number of the provider's business, which you can use to contact their office for appointments or inquiries.
• Taxonomy Code: A code that classifies the provider's specialty or type of practice. For Christine Bhinder, this would be related to podiatric medicine.
• License Information: Information about the provider's professional licenses, including the issuing state and license number.
• Organizational NPI (if applicable): If the provider is part of a larger healthcare organization, the registry may also list the organization's NPI number.

This information can be extremely valuable for patients who are looking to verify a provider's credentials, contact their office, or learn more about their practice.

Understanding NPI Enumeration Date and Updates

When you look up Christine Bhinder's information on the NPI Registry, you might also come across something called the "NPI Enumeration Date." This is the date when the NPI number was first assigned to the provider. It's essentially the birthdate of their NPI.

Why is this date important? Well, it can give you an idea of how long the provider has been registered in the NPI system. A more recent enumeration date might indicate that the provider is relatively new to the field, while an older date suggests they've been practicing for a longer time.

Keep in mind: The NPI Registry is regularly updated to reflect changes in a provider's information, such as their address, phone number, or practice affiliations. It's always a good idea to check the registry periodically to ensure that the information is current and accurate.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Sometimes, finding the right NPI number can be a bit tricky. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to resolve them:

• Multiple Listings: If you find multiple listings for Christine Bhinder, carefully review each one to ensure you've found the correct provider. Pay attention to the location, specialty, and other details to differentiate between them.
• Incorrect Information: If you notice any incorrect information in the NPI Registry, such as a wrong address or phone number, you can report it to CMS. They will investigate the issue and update the registry accordingly.
• Name Changes: If Christine Bhinder has changed her name (e.g., due to marriage), be sure to search using both her current and former names to ensure you find the correct NPI number.
• Technical Issues: If you encounter any technical issues with the NPI Registry website, such as error messages or slow loading times, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies or using a different web browser.

Conclusion

Finding Christine Bhinder's DPM NPI number is a straightforward process thanks to the publicly accessible NPI Registry. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily locate her NPI number and other relevant information about her practice. Remember that the NPI number is a crucial identifier for healthcare providers, used for billing, electronic transactions, and data tracking. Always ensure that you're using accurate and up-to-date information when searching for NPI numbers. We hope this guide has been helpful in your search! If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult the NPI Registry website or contact CMS directly.