Matthew S White MD: NPI Number & Details
Hey guys! Ever wondered about the details behind medical professionals? Today, we're diving into the world of Matthew S. White, MD, and specifically, his National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Think of the NPI as a unique ID for healthcare providers in the United States. It's super important for billing, insurance claims, and generally making sure everything runs smoothly in the healthcare system. Understanding this number and the information associated with it can be really helpful, whether you're a patient, a fellow healthcare provider, or just someone curious about how the medical world works.
What is an NPI Number and Why Does it Matter?
Let's break down what an NPI number actually is and why it's so crucial. The NPI, or National Provider Identifier, is a unique 10-digit identification number issued to healthcare providers by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This number is like a fingerprint for doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. It's used to identify them in administrative and financial transactions.
Why is it so important?
- Standardization: Before NPIs, healthcare providers used various identification numbers, which made things super confusing. The NPI standardizes this process, making it easier to process claims and share information. Imagine trying to order something online if every store used a different address format – that's what it was like before NPIs!
 - Efficiency: With a single, unique identifier, insurance companies and other payers can quickly verify a provider's credentials and process claims faster. This means less paperwork and fewer delays in getting paid.
 - Accuracy: The NPI helps to reduce errors in billing and claims processing. When everyone is using the same identifier, there's less chance of mistakes happening along the way.
 - Compliance: Using NPIs is mandated by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This means that healthcare providers are legally required to use their NPIs in certain transactions.
 - Data Tracking: NPIs allow for better tracking and analysis of healthcare data. This can help to identify trends, improve quality of care, and allocate resources more effectively. Knowing where the resources are going is very important.
 
In short, the NPI number is a fundamental part of the modern healthcare system. It ensures that healthcare providers are properly identified, that claims are processed efficiently, and that data is tracked accurately. It's a small number with a big impact!
Matthew S. White, MD: Background and Specialization
Now, let's zoom in on Matthew S. White, MD. Knowing a bit about his background and specialization can give you a better understanding of his role in the medical community. This information, combined with his NPI number, paints a more complete picture of who he is as a healthcare provider.
Professional Background
While specific details about Dr. White's education and training would require a deeper dive into medical directories or his professional website, we can generally discuss the typical path for a medical doctor. After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring doctors attend medical school for four years. During this time, they learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other essential medical sciences. After medical school, they complete a residency program, which is a period of supervised training in a specific area of medicine. Residencies can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
Specialization
Understanding a doctor's specialization is key to knowing what kind of care they provide. Some common specializations include:
- Internal Medicine: Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting adults.
 - Pediatrics: Focuses on the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
 - Surgery: Involves performing operations to treat injuries, diseases, and other conditions.
 - Family Medicine: Provides comprehensive care for people of all ages.
 - Cardiology: Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.
 - Oncology: Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
 
To find out Dr. White's specific specialization, you can check online directories like the CMS NPI Registry, Healthgrades, or Zocdoc. These resources often provide information about a doctor's primary specialty and any subspecialties they may have.
Knowing Dr. White's background and specialization helps to understand his expertise and the type of medical services he offers. This information is valuable for patients who are seeking care and for other healthcare professionals who may need to collaborate with him.
How to Find Matthew S. White, MD's NPI Number
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how do you actually find Matthew S. White, MD's NPI number? It's easier than you might think! The primary source for this information is the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), which is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The NPPES maintains a public registry of all healthcare providers with NPI numbers.
Steps to Find the NPI Number:
- Go to the CMS NPI Registry: The first step is to head over to the official CMS NPI Registry website. You can easily find it by doing a quick search on Google for "CMS NPI Registry."
 - Enter the Provider's Information: Once you're on the website, you'll see a search form. You can search for a provider by entering their name, specialty, location, or other relevant information. In this case, you'll want to enter "Matthew S. White" in the name field.
 - Refine Your Search (If Necessary): If there are multiple providers with the same or similar names, you may need to refine your search by adding more details, such as his city or state. This will help you narrow down the results and find the correct Matthew S. White, MD.
 - Review the Search Results: After you submit your search, the registry will display a list of providers that match your criteria. Look for the entry that corresponds to Matthew S. White, MD.
 - View the Provider's Details: Once you've found the correct entry, click on it to view the provider's details. This page will include their NPI number, as well as other information such as their address, phone number, and specialty.
 
Alternative Resources:
In addition to the CMS NPI Registry, you may also be able to find Dr. White's NPI number on other websites, such as:
- Healthgrades: This website provides information about doctors, including their NPI numbers, specialties, and patient reviews.
 - Zocdoc: Zocdoc is another online directory that allows you to search for doctors and book appointments. It also includes NPI numbers in its provider profiles.
 - Doctor Finder Tools: Many insurance companies have online doctor finder tools that allow you to search for providers in your network. These tools often include NPI numbers as well.
 
By using these resources, you should be able to easily find Matthew S. White, MD's NPI number and other important information about his practice.
Using the NPI Number: Practical Applications
So, you've found Matthew S. White, MD's NPI number – great! But what do you actually do with it? Well, the NPI number has several practical applications in the healthcare world. Understanding these uses can help you appreciate the importance of this unique identifier.
For Patients:
- Verifying Credentials: As a patient, you can use a doctor's NPI number to verify their credentials and ensure that they are who they say they are. You can check the NPI number against the CMS NPI Registry to confirm the doctor's name, specialty, and other information.
 - Insurance Claims: When you receive medical services, your healthcare provider will use their NPI number to submit claims to your insurance company. This helps to ensure that your claims are processed correctly and that you receive the benefits you're entitled to.
 - Researching Providers: You can use a doctor's NPI number to research their background and qualifications online. Many websites, such as Healthgrades and Zocdoc, allow you to search for providers by NPI number and view their profiles.
 
For Healthcare Professionals:
- Billing and Claims Processing: Healthcare providers use NPI numbers to identify themselves when submitting claims to insurance companies and other payers. This helps to streamline the billing process and reduce errors.
 - Electronic Health Records (EHRs): NPI numbers are used to identify providers in EHR systems. This allows for the secure and efficient exchange of patient information between different healthcare providers.
 - Data Analysis: NPI numbers can be used to track and analyze healthcare data. This can help to identify trends, improve quality of care, and allocate resources more effectively.
 - Referrals: When referring a patient to another healthcare provider, it's important to include the provider's NPI number. This helps the receiving provider to identify the referring provider and to coordinate care more effectively.
 
For Healthcare Organizations:
- Credentialing: Healthcare organizations use NPI numbers to verify the credentials of healthcare providers who are seeking to join their network.
 - Compliance: Using NPI numbers is required by HIPAA, so healthcare organizations must ensure that they are using them correctly in all of their transactions.
 - Reporting: Healthcare organizations are often required to report data to government agencies and other organizations. NPI numbers are used to identify the providers who are providing the services being reported.
 
In summary, the NPI number is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes in the healthcare industry. Whether you're a patient, a healthcare professional, or a healthcare organization, understanding how to use the NPI number can help you navigate the complex world of healthcare more effectively.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! We've explored the ins and outs of Matthew S. White, MD's NPI number, why it's important, how to find it, and what you can do with it. The NPI number is a critical component of the healthcare system, ensuring proper identification, efficient billing, and accurate data tracking. Whether you're a patient looking to verify a doctor's credentials or a healthcare professional streamlining your billing process, understanding the NPI is super valuable.
By using resources like the CMS NPI Registry and other online directories, you can easily access this information and make informed decisions about your healthcare. Keep this knowledge in your back pocket – it might just come in handy someday! And remember, staying informed is the best way to navigate the often-complex world of healthcare. Cheers!