NPI questions, answered

One question per page, answer first, no filler. Written for individual practitioners: therapists, counselors, nurses, PTs, dentists, physicians and everyone else who gets asked for an NPI.

What is an NPI number?An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a 10-digit number that identifies a health care…Do I need an NPI number?You need an NPI if anyone other than your client will ever pay for your services: an…How long does it take to get an NPI number?With SimpleNPI, usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete, delivered by email…How much does an NPI number cost?Nothing. CMS issues the NPI free of charge through NPPES, and SimpleNPI files…Type 1 vs Type 2 NPI: which one do I need?A Type 1 NPI identifies an individual provider; a Type 2 NPI identifies an organization…NPI vs tax ID (EIN): what is the difference?The NPI identifies a health care provider on claims and prescriptions; CMS issues it.…Can I get an NPI before I am licensed?Yes. CMS does not require a license to issue an NPI. Students apply under the Student…How do I find my NPI number?Search the free CMS registry by your name at simplenpi.com/#lookup. If you ever had an…How do I update my NPI information?Sign in at nppes.cms.hhs.gov with your Identity & Access account, open your NPI record…What is a taxonomy code on an NPI application?A taxonomy code is a 10-character code from the NUCC Health Care Provider Taxonomy that…NPI vs CAQH vs PECOS: what is each one for?The NPI is your federal provider identifier from CMS. CAQH ProView is a credentialing…Do I need a new NPI if I move to another state?No. The NPI is national and permanent. When you move, sign in to NPPES and update your…Can students and interns get an NPI number?Yes. Students in an accredited health care program apply with taxonomy 390200000X,…Do I need a Type 2 NPI for my LLC?Only if the LLC bills payers under its own name and EIN. A solo provider who formed an…Is my NPI number public?Yes, the NPI and the information on the public record are public: name, NPI, taxonomy,…How do I deactivate or reactivate an NPI?A provider can deactivate their own NPI in NPPES (retirement, leaving health care, a…

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.