NPI number for dietitians and nutritionists

Registered dietitians bill Medicare for medical nutrition therapy and most commercial plans for nutrition counseling, and telehealth nutrition platforms credential by NPI. Nutritionists who are not RDs use the Nutritionist code.

Short answer: dietitians and nutritionists need an NPI when a payer, platform or employer puts them on a claim. The NPI is free, takes minutes, and lasts for life. SimpleNPI files it for you for free, usually within 10 minutes, or you can apply yourself at NPPES. Check the free lookup first in case you already have one.

Who asks dietitians and nutritionists for an NPI

Medicare (PECOS): RDs enroll in Medicare for medical nutrition therapy; the NPI comes first.
Commercial plans and platforms: Nourish, Fay, Berry Street and payer credentialing all key on the NPI.
Hospitals and clinics: The facility lists you as rendering provider.
Medicaid programs: State programs identify providers by NPI.

When you can skip it

Private-pay coaching with no superbills.

Taxonomy code for a dietitian or nutritionist

The taxonomy code tells CMS and every payer your profession. For most dietitians and nutritionists it is 133V00000X, Registered Dietitian. SimpleNPI enters it for you from your license type.

Also used	NUCC name	When
`133N00000X`	Nutritionist	Nutritionist: for licensed or certified nutritionists who are not registered dietitians.

Your license on the application

Enter your state dietitian license or certification number and state if your state issues one. Some states do not license dietitians; the RD/RDN registration from CDR is a credential, not a state license.

Before you are licensed

Dietetic interns can use the Student taxonomy (390200000X) and switch to Dietitian, Registered after the CDR exam.

Two free ways to get it

Option 1 · Free · Easiest

SimpleNPI files it for you

One short form: name, license, contact, address, identity and an e-signed authorization. About 3 minutes, no CMS account to create.
A person checks your license and address, then files the application with CMS under your signed authorization.
Your NPI arrives by email and text, with all the documentation, usually within 10 minutes. Filed after midnight Eastern? It issues around 6 am Eastern.

Usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete.

Start the free application

Option 2 · Free

Apply yourself at NPPES

Create an Identity & Access account at nppes.cms.hhs.gov.
Choose Apply for an NPI for myself, Individual (Type 1).
Enter identity, addresses, taxonomy code and license number, then certify and submit.

Usually a few business days; often minutes when the Social Security match passes.

Go to NPPES

What you need (either path)

Legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, date of birth, Social Security number, sex, and birth state or country
Email and mobile phone
Mailing address and practice address (home is fine)
Dietitian or Nutritionist license number (RD, RDN, LD, LDN) and the state that issued it

Questions dietitians and nutritionists ask

What is the taxonomy code for a registered dietitian?

133V00000X, Dietitian, Registered. Nutritionists who are not RDs use 133N00000X, Nutritionist.

Can a dietitian bill Medicare?

Yes, for medical nutrition therapy with a referral for diabetes or kidney disease. Enroll in PECOS after getting the NPI.

Written by Ammon Hardin, LMT, who grew a massage practice to ten locations, built a veteran therapy network, and credentialed a large number of providers along the way. Updated Tue Oct 27, 2026. Free to read, free to use; SimpleNPI files NPI applications for free.