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How to Verify a Doctor's NPI Number
Every US healthcare provider has a unique NPI. Here's how to look one up and what the result tells you.
What an NPI is
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a 10-digit number HIPAA requires for every US healthcare provider. It's permanent, public, and free to look up. Insurance claims, prescriptions, and electronic records all reference NPI.
How to look one up
- Go to NPPES NPI Registry at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov.
- Search by name, NPI number, or practice address.
- Confirm the provider's legal name, specialty taxonomy code, and primary practice address match what you expect.
What the result tells you
- Whether the provider exists and is active
- Their official specialty taxonomy
- Practice address(es) on file with CMS
- Whether they're an individual (Type 1) or organization (Type 2)
What NPI does NOT tell you
NPI does not indicate board certification, license status, or disciplinary history. For those, use the state medical board and ABMS Certification Matters.