What is an NPI number?
Updated 2026-07-19
An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique 10-digit number that identifies a healthcare provider in the United States. Every provider who bills insurance — doctors, nurses, therapists, dentists, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies — has one. It never changes and is never reused, even after a provider retires.
The two types of NPI
- Type 1 (Individual) — a single person: a physician, nurse practitioner, therapist, and so on.
- Type 2 (Organization) — a business entity: a group practice, hospital, or clinic. A large organization can also have subparts, each with its own NPI.
What an NPI is used for
NPIs standardize how providers are identified on claims, prescriptions, and referrals. When you get an explanation of benefits from your insurer, the provider’s NPI is what ties the record together behind the scenes.
How to find an NPI
You can search this registry by name, specialty, or the 10-digit number itself. Every provider page shows the registry facts on file and any Medicare payment data, always with the date of the source file.
Frequently asked questions
- What does NPI stand for?
- NPI stands for National Provider Identifier — a unique 10-digit number issued to US healthcare providers by the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES).
- Is an NPI the same as a license number?
- No. An NPI is a national identifier used for administrative and billing purposes. A license number is issued by a state board and is separate.
- Are NPI numbers public?
- Yes. The NPPES registry is public information, published by the government in the public domain. Anyone can look up a provider’s NPI.