NPI number for physical therapists

Physical therapists need an NPI before the first day in any clinic that bills: Medicare, Medicaid, commercial plans, auto injury and workers' compensation all list the treating PT by NPI. PTAs get one too.

Short answer: physical therapists 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 physical therapists for an NPI

Medicare (PECOS) and Medicaid: PTs enroll in Medicare individually; the NPI is the first field.
Clinics and hospitals: The facility bills under its Type 2 NPI and lists you as rendering provider.
Auto injury, workers' compensation and commercial plans: Claims and prior authorizations carry the treating PT's NPI.
Travel and contract agencies: Credentialing files ask for it before placement.

When you can skip it

A cash-only practice that never bills and writes no superbills.

Taxonomy code for a physical therapist

The taxonomy code tells CMS and every payer your profession. For most physical therapists it is 225100000X, Physical Therapist. SimpleNPI enters it for you from your license type.

Also used	NUCC name	When
`225200000X`	Physical Therapy Assistant	Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA).

Your license on the application

Enter your PT license number and state exactly as the board lists it. Compact (PT Compact) privileges still use the home-state license.

Before you are licensed

DPT students can use the Student taxonomy (390200000X) and switch to Physical Therapist at licensure.

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)
Physical Therapist license number (PT, DPT, MPT) and the state that issued it

Questions physical therapists ask

What is the taxonomy code for a physical therapist?

225100000X, Physical Therapist. PTAs use 225200000X, Physical Therapy Assistant.

Do PTAs need their own NPI?

Usually yes. Medicare and many payers want the PTA identified on the claim, and employers ask for it at hire.

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.