James Miller Psychiatrist NPI: Your Guide to Expert Mental Care

James Miller Psychiatrist NPI: Your Guide to Expert Mental Care

Finding a qualified mental health professional is a critical step in managing your well-being. A key tool in this process is the National Provider Identifier (NPI), a unique identification number for covered health care providers. This guide explains what an NPI is and how you can use it to verify the credentials of a provider, such as a "James Miller Psychiatrist NPI," to ensure you are connecting with a licensed expert.

Understanding the NPI for Mental Health Professionals

Before searching for a specific provider, it is helpful to understand the role and importance of the NPI number in the United States healthcare system.

What is an NPI Number?

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a standard, 10-digit identification number issued to health care providers in the U.S. by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the NPI is a unique identifier for individual providers and organizations.

An NPI does not expire and remains with the provider throughout their career, regardless of their location or employer.

Why is the NPI Important for Patients?

For individuals seeking mental health services, the NPI serves several important functions:

• Verification: It allows you to confirm that the provider is registered within the national healthcare system and recognized as a legitimate practitioner.
• Accuracy in Billing: NPI numbers are used in all administrative and financial transactions, such as insurance claims, ensuring that billing is directed to the correct provider.
• Transparency: It provides access to public information about the provider, including their specialty and practice location, through the official NPI Registry.

Locating and Verifying the "James Miller Psychiatrist NPI"

If you are looking for a specific provider, such as a psychiatrist named James Miller, you can use the official NPI Registry to find their details. As "James Miller" is a common name, having additional information like a middle initial or a city/state will significantly refine your search.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the NPI Registry

1. Navigate to the NPI Registry: Open a web browser and go to the official NPPES NPI Registry search page.
2. Enter Provider Details: In the search fields, enter the provider’s name. For a search like "James Miller Psychiatrist NPI," you would enter "James" in the First Name field and "Miller" in the Last Name field.
3. Refine Your Search: To narrow the results, you can add more information if you have it:
   • Taxonomy (Specialty): Select "Psychiatry" from the provider taxonomy list.
   • Location: Enter the City and State where the provider practices.
4. Review the Results: The search will return a list of providers who match your criteria. Click on a name to view the detailed NPI record.

Information You Can Find Using an NPI

The NPI record provides a wealth of verified information. A successful search will yield details including:

• Full legal name of the provider
• The 10-digit NPI number
• Primary practice address and phone number
• Mailing address
• Provider Taxonomy Code (indicating their specialty)
• State license information (if provided)
• NPI enumeration date (the date the NPI was assigned)

Interpreting Provider Details Associated with the NPI

Once you locate an NPI record, understanding the information presented is the next step. The Taxonomy Code, in particular, is essential for confirming a provider’s specialization.

Key Terms in an NPI Record Explained

Term	Description	Why It Matters for Patients
Provider Taxonomy Code	A unique alphanumeric code used to classify the provider’s specialty. For a psychiatrist, the code is typically 2084P0800X.	This code confirms that the provider is registered as a psychiatrist, distinguishing them from other mental health professionals like psychologists or counselors.
Practice Location Address	The physical address where the provider conducts business and sees patients.	This helps you verify the provider’s office location is accessible to you and matches any information you have from other sources.
Enumeration Date	The date the provider was first assigned their NPI number.	An earlier date often indicates a longer period of practice, though it is not a direct measure of experience.
State License Information	The provider’s medical license number and the state that issued it.	This is crucial for verifying that the provider is licensed to practice in your state. You can cross-reference this number with the state’s medical board website.

Beyond the NPI: Evaluating a Psychiatrist for Your Needs

Verifying a "James Miller Psychiatrist NPI" is an excellent first step for due diligence, but it is not the only factor in choosing the right provider. A comprehensive evaluation should include professional qualifications, treatment style, and practical logistics.

Credentials and Specializations

Beyond the NPI and state license, look for other qualifications:

• Board Certification: Confirmation that the psychiatrist has passed rigorous exams administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
• Areas of Expertise: Many psychiatrists specialize in specific conditions (e.g., anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder) or patient populations (e.g., adolescents, geriatric patients).

Treatment Philosophy and Approach

A provider’s approach should align with your needs and preferences. Consider whether they focus on:

• Medication Management: The primary role of most psychiatrists is to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.
• Psychotherapy: Some psychiatrists also provide talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy, while others may refer you to a psychologist or therapist for this service.

Logistical Considerations

Practical factors are essential for consistent and effective care.

• Insurance Acceptance: Confirm that the provider is in-network with your health insurance plan.
• Availability: Inquire about their new patient availability and typical wait times for an appointment.
• Telehealth Options: Ask if they offer virtual appointments, which can provide greater flexibility and accessibility.

Hopefully, this guide makes your search for the right mental healthcare provider a little less complicated. Understanding details like the james miller psychiatrist npi is a powerful step in taking control of your well-being. Take care of yourself!