National Provider Identifier (NPI)

Overview

An instructional Web tool, called the NPI Viewlet, is now available for viewing at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/npi/npiviewlet.asp.

This tool provides an overview of the NPI, a demonstration of the application, as well as live links to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System’s (NPPES) Web site where the learner can apply for an NPI. This tool is designed for all health care providers.

Subpart – A component or separate physical location of an organization health care provider. Examples:

subpart of a hospital could include outpatient departments, surgical centers, psychiatric units and laboratories;
provider chains that generally have a corporate headquarters and a number of separate physical locations. The separate physical locations are generally separately licensed or certified, i.e. DME supplier chain.

National Provider Identifier (NPI) - A system for uniquely identifying all providers of health care services, supplies, and equipment. NPIs are assigned by the NPPES and are 10-position, all-numeric identification numbers that will identify a health care provider in standard transactions, such as health care claims.

National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) - The administrative system for supporting a national plan and provider registry. This is a comprehensive uniform system for identifying and uniquely enumerating health care providers and plans at the national level.