Preparing To Enroll

Providers need to complete the steps below before enrolling in the IMPACT system:

1. Obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI)

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ten-digit identification number issued by the federal Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). As required under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), all health care providers must have an NPI and use the NPI in all HIPAA-related transactions. Providers can have multiple locations attached to one NPI or separate NPIs for each location. For more information, visit the CMS HIPAA webpage. Not all providers are required to have an NPI, but if you are a HIPAA-covered entity, it is mandatory to obtain one. You can find the NPPES NPI Application /Update form here. 

2. Acquire a Taxonomy Number

This code is essential for billing HIPAA related transactions. The taxonomy number is selected by the health care provider based upon their education, license/certification, and the services being rendered. Individual providers and organizations are required to indicate their taxonomy number when applying for an NPI. Providers who are required to have an NPI will need to enter their taxonomy number in IMPACT. Refer to the CMS website for additional information on taxonomy codes at Health Care Provider Taxonomy Code Set | WPC.

3.  Ensure a Certified W9 is on file

Providers receiving state or federal funds directly from the Illinois State Comptroller for services rendered must have a certified W9 on file.  This requirement applies to Group, FAO, Atypical Agency, Atypical Individual, and Individual Sole Proprietor enrollments.  Please note, Rendering/Servicing Only providers do not need to submit a W9.  To ensure timely processing of the W9 certification, submit a completed W9 along with your IRS Assignment Letter, preferably in PDF format, to HFS.W9.IMPACT@Illinois.gov with subject line ‘W9 Certification’. 

4. Maintain Professional Certifications or Licensures  

Providers must maintain current certifications or licensures to participate in the Illinois Medicaid Program. If your profession requires certification or licensure in Illinois, these credentials must be active during revalidation or enrollment in IMPACT. The IMPACT system verifies the following certifications and licenses: 

• Illinois professional licenses 

• Out-of-state medical licenses

• Medicare certifications  

• American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) 

• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Certifications 

• Behavior Analyst Certifications 

• Deaf/Hard of Hearing Commission Licenses  

• Board of Optician/Contact Lens Certifications 

• Federal Aviation Administration Certifications

5. Ensure the Appropriate Web Access

IMPACT requires each provider to have at least one active e-mail address, as email will be the primary communication method.  To access the IMPACT provider portal, you must use a compatible Internet browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.  

6. Create an IMPACT login 

To view instructions and create your login, visit: IMPACT Login  

7. Review the Medical Provider Handbook

Familiarize yourself with the Medical Provider Handbook which outlines general policies, procedures, and appendices relevant to all participating providers and specific provider types or categories of service (specialty/subspecialty).