Steven Roberts Mental Health Counselor Oregon Npi Number

Steven Roberts, a dedicated mental health counselor based in Oregon, provides crucial support to individuals navigating complex emotional and psychological challenges. His professional credentials and commitment to client well-being are well-regarded within the state's healthcare community. For individuals seeking his specific services or needing to verify his credentials for administrative purposes, understanding his National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is essential. This article details how to locate Steven Roberts' NPI number and emphasizes its importance in ensuring accurate and secure healthcare interactions.

Locating Steven Roberts' NPI Number

Finding a specific mental health counselor's NPI number requires a targeted search approach. Here's the most reliable method:

1. Utilize the Official NPI Registry: The primary and most authoritative source for NPI numbers is the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This is the official federal registry.
2. Perform a Targeted Search: Navigate to the NPPES website (https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/). Use the search function. Input the following details:
   • Provider Name: Enter "Steven Roberts" as the last name. You might need to try variations like "Steven Roberts" or "Steven A Roberts" depending on how he is listed.
   • Location: Select Oregon (OR) as the state. This significantly narrows down the results.
   • Specialty: While not mandatory, filtering by "Mental Health" or "Counselor" can help refine results.
3. Review Search Results: The search will return a list of providers matching "Steven Roberts" in Oregon. Carefully examine each entry:
   • Full Name: Confirm the name matches exactly as you know it.
   • NPI Number: This is the 10-digit unique identifier. It will be prominently displayed.
   • Provider Type: Ensure it lists "Mental Health Counselor" or a similar designation.
   • Address: Verify the practice address aligns with what you know or expect.
4. Identify the Correct Steven Roberts: If multiple results appear, cross-reference the addresses, phone numbers, and practice names (if visible) with any information you have. The correct NPI will correspond to the specific practice location and individual you are seeking.
5. Record the NPI: Once you've confirmed the correct entry, record the NPI number displayed. This is crucial for future reference.

Why the NPI Number Matters

The NPI number is far more than just a random set of digits; it's the cornerstone of efficient and secure healthcare administration in the United States:

• Unique Provider Identification: It serves as a universal, non-ambiguous identifier for healthcare providers across all HIPAA-covered entities (health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers who transmit health information electronically).
• Billing and Claims Processing: When Steven Roberts submits claims for reimbursement from insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid, the NPI number on the claim form links the service directly to his unique identity. This ensures accurate payment and prevents billing errors or fraud.
• Patient Verification: Patients can verify a provider's credentials, including their NPI number, through official registries like the NPPES website. This builds trust and ensures patients are seeing the correct licensed professional.
• Interoperability: The NPI facilitates seamless data exchange between different healthcare systems and providers, improving coordination of care.
• Fraud Prevention: The unique NPI helps combat healthcare fraud by making it harder for individuals to impersonate other providers or use stolen identities.

Important Considerations When Using the NPI

• Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check the NPI number you find against the official source (NPPES) to ensure it's current and correct. NPI numbers can be reassigned or deactivated if a provider closes their practice or changes their status.
• Not a License Verification: An NPI number confirms the provider is registered with CMS, but it does not independently verify their state medical or mental health counseling license. Always verify state licensing separately through the relevant Oregon licensing board (e.g., Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists - OBLPCT).
• Practice vs. Individual: An NPI can be assigned to an individual provider (Type 1) or to a practice/organization (Type 2). Ensure you have the correct type for the specific context (e.g., billing an individual vs. the practice).
• Privacy: While the NPI is public information, it should only be used for legitimate healthcare administrative purposes. Protect it as you would any sensitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I find Steven Roberts' NPI number without using the official NPPES registry?
  • A: While other directories (like healthplan provider directories or some professional association listings) may list NPI numbers, they are not always comprehensive or up-to-date. The NPPES registry is the definitive, official source and should always be used for verification.
• Q: What if I can't find any results for "Steven Roberts" in Oregon on NPPES?
  • A: Try variations of the name (e.g., "Steven A Roberts," "Steven R Roberts"). Check for possible misspellings. If still unsuccessful, contact Steven Roberts' practice directly and ask for his NPI number. They are required to provide it upon request.
• Q: Is the NPI number the same as his license number?
  • A: No. The NPI number is a federal identifier. His state license number is issued by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) and is separate.
• Q: What should I do if I find an incorrect NPI number listed for Steven Roberts?
  • A: Report the discrepancy directly to the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) and inform Steven Roberts' practice. They can initiate the process to correct the information in the official NPI registry.

Conclusion

Locating Steven Roberts' NPI number is a straightforward process when using the official National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry maintained by CMS. By entering his name and Oregon location into the NPPES search tool, you can reliably retrieve his unique 10-digit identifier. Understanding the NPI's critical role in healthcare administration, billing, and patient verification underscores its importance beyond mere identification. Always verify the NPI through the official source and cross-check with state licensing for complete assurance of a provider's legitimacy and qualifications. This diligence ensures secure, efficient, and accurate interactions within Oregon's mental health care system.

To find Steven Roberts' NPI number in Oregon, the most reliable method is to use the official National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) registry maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). By entering his name and location into the search tool, you can quickly retrieve his unique 10-digit identifier. This number is essential for healthcare administration, billing, and verifying provider credentials. Always cross-check with state licensing information for complete assurance of legitimacy. For any discrepancies or further verification, contacting his practice directly or the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) is recommended.

Additional Tips for Verifying Provider Information in Oregon

When navigating the NPPES database, a few practical strategies can streamline the search and reduce the likelihood of dead‑ends:

1. Use Wildcards and Partial Matches – The NPPES search allows you to enter only part of a name or location. Typing “Steven R” will pull up every provider whose name begins with those characters, which can be useful if you suspect a middle initial is missing or misspelled.

2. Filter by Specialty and Taxonomy – After obtaining a list of matches, narrow the results by selecting the appropriate taxonomy code (e.g., “Mental Health Counselor” or “Marriage and Family Therapist”). This helps eliminate unrelated professionals who share a similar name.

3. Check the “Enumeration Date” – The date a provider was assigned their NPI can give clues about recency of activity. A very recent enumeration may indicate a newly licensed practitioner, while an older date suggests an established practice.

4. Cross‑Reference With the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) – The OBLPCT maintains its own searchable roster of licensed counselors. Matching the NPI with the board’s license number confirms that the provider is currently authorized to practice in the state.

5. Beware ofExpired or Inactive NPIs – Occasionally, a provider’s NPI may be marked as “inactive” if they have withdrawn from the Medicare program or ceased practice. An inactive status will appear in the NPPES record and should be noted before assuming the provider is currently offering services.

6. Leverage Third‑Party Directories With Caution – Websites such as PsychologyToday, Healthgrades, or the Oregon Psychological Association’s member directory can supplement your search, but they are not official sources. Always verify any NPI obtained from these portals against the CMS NPPES database.

7. Contact the Provider Directly – If the online search yields no results, a brief phone call or email to the practitioner’s office can quickly provide the NPI. Under HIPAA, providers are not required to disclose their NPI to the public, but they are obligated to furnish it to patients upon request for verification purposes.

Understanding the Broader Implications of Accurate Provider Identification

Accurate NPI lookup does more than satisfy bureaucratic curiosity; it safeguards several critical aspects of the healthcare ecosystem:

• Billing Integrity – Incorrect or outdated NPIs can cause claim denials, delayed reimbursements, and potential audits for both the provider and the client.
• Patient Safety – Verifying a practitioner’s credentials reduces the risk of inadvertently engaging with an unlicensed or disciplinary‑record holder.
• Data Interoperability – Consistent use of NPIs enables seamless data exchange between electronic health record (EHR) systems, insurance payers, and state health agencies, fostering better care coordination.
• Legal Compliance – Oregon law mandates that mental health professionals maintain an active license and disclose their NPI on all claim submissions. Non‑compliance can result in penalties and loss of practice privileges.

Resources for Ongoing Monitoring

• CMS NPI Registry – https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/
• Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists – https://www.oregon.gov/oblpct/
• National Center for Health Workforce Analysis – Provides state‑level workforce reports that include provider distribution and licensing trends.
• Oregon Psychological Association (OPA) – Member directory and continuing education resources that often list NPIs alongside contact details.

By integrating these tools and best practices, individuals, agencies, and researchers can maintain a reliable, up‑to‑date portrait of mental health providers across Oregon. This vigilance not only protects administrative processes but also upholds the highest standards of client care and professional accountability.

Conclusion

In summary, locating Steven Roberts’ NPI number in Oregon is most efficiently achieved through the official CMS NPPES search, complemented by verification against the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. Understanding the nuances of NPI enumeration, recognizing inactive statuses, and cross‑checking with state licensing bodies ensures that the identifier you obtain is both accurate and current. Leveraging additional resources—such as specialty filters, third‑party directories, and direct provider contact—further refines the verification process. Ultimately, diligent provider identification underpins billing integrity, patient safety, and regulatory compliance, reinforcing the robustness of Oregon’s mental health care infrastructure. By following the outlined steps and continuously monitoring official registries, stakeholders can confidently navigate the complexities of provider verification and maintain the highest standards of professional accountability.