National Provider Identification Tool Kit
Learn About NPI
National Provider Identification (NPI) is a unique provider number that can be used by all payers across the United States. No longer will you need to maintain separate proprietary provider numbers for each payer with which you do business.
NPI numbers can be obtained for health care practitioners (individuals) and health care organizations (group practices and facilities). Each health care practitioner (physician, adjunct, mid-level) can obtain one NPI number to represent the individual. Health care organizations can obtain multiple NPI numbers to represent the different sub-parts of the organization.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has been designated to act as the NPI enumerator for all practitioners and organizations in the United States. Providers must apply by completing an application either online or on paper to be issued an NPI number.
Effective May 23, 2007, all HIPAA electronic standard transactions are required to use the NPI number as the sole provider identifier. Professional and facility paper claim forms are being modified to allow NPI numbers as well. In the meantime, please continue using your existing provider number(s). CDPHP will provide further details on its acceptance date of NPI numbers once we have completed our transition planning.