Healthcare providers may apply for an NPI in one of three ways: Option 1 Apply through a web-based application process. Visit the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do on the CMS website. Individual providers must create a username and password through the Identity & Access Management (I&A) System and login to NPPES using that username and password. Option 2 Complete, sign,
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Administrative Simplification required the adoption of a standard for a unique health identifier for healthcare providers. The NPI Final Rule, published on January 23, 2004, established the NPI unique identification number as this standard. Covered healthcare providers, health plans, and clearinghouses must use NPIs in administrative and financial transactions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed
