How to Make an Application for a NPI Number

The NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a number for which all health care providers and health plans must apply. The objective is to ensure the secure and effective delivery of health information through electronic means. The 10-digit number does not embed information about the individual provider or health organization. The first nine digits are the identifier, while the last number is a "check digit," which helps prevent the use of invalid NPIs, according to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). The fastest way to apply for an NPI is online.

Things You'll Need

• Valid SSN (Social Security Number) for individuals
• Valid EIN (Employer Identification Number) for organizations
• Valid TIN (Tax Identification Number)

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Instructions

• 1

  Log into NPPES at www.nippes.cms.hhs.gov and click on "National Provider Identifier"(NPI). Click on "Apply Online for an NPI" to access the application. Select secret questions and create a user ID and password that you'll remember -- the password can be changed only once every 24 hours and the user ID cannot be changed at all once created.

• 2

  Organizations must complete the "Organization Profile" page. Enter the legal business name on record with the IRS, as well as the EIN that the IRS assigned you. List other names that your business goes by, or previously used names. Individual providers must complete the "Select Taxonomy" page, and provide classification name and specialty. If applicable, enter your license number. Do not enter your SSN or TIN in this section.

• 3

  Complete the "Other Identification Numbers" page with numbers such as Medicare PIN, Medicare UPIN, Medicare certification, Medicare NSC and Medicaid state numbers. Up to 50 additional numbers may be added, but do not enter your SSN or TIN in this area.

• 4

  Complete the "Business Mailing Address" page and include complete address, telephone numbers and extensions. If you're listing a country outside of the U.S. that does not have a province, enter the country's name in the province field. For military addresses, the city should be APO or FPO. Mark the state as AE, AA or AP, and the country should be U.S.

• 5

  Double-check your entries, submit and go to the processing page to obtain your tracking number. This number will be required for any correspondence regarding your application. Allow 15 working days to receive your number. If you do not receive the number in 15 working days, contact the NPI Enumerator.