• It seems like every time you have your NPI facts down straight, CMS changes the playing field. Now the agency wants to clear up your NPI trouble spots with a helpful new resource. CMS announced the publication of its four-page brochure, "The National Provider Identifier (NPI): What You Need to Know" last week, and it offers tips on how to determine whether you need an NPI, how to get one, and how you can access the NPI registry. You can access the booklet at www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/NPIBooklet.pdf.