How do I get my NPI?

You can apply for an NPI in one of three ways:

The fastest and easiest way for most physicians will be completing the online application form.

To complete the online application, go to online application. You will need to have your legacy (current) provider identification numbers, UPIN number, taxonomy codes (See "What is my taxonomy number?" for a list of codes), license numbers, mailing address, practice address(es) and phone number and the name of the person who will serve as a contact should the enumerator need further information. If you have someone other than yourself complete the application, they will also need to know in what country and state you were born, your date of birth and your social security or individual taxpayer identification number.

If you wish to complete a paper application/update form (CMS-10114), this must now be obtained by contacting the NPI Enumerator. After receiving the form, mail the completed, signed application to the NPI Enumerator located in Fargo, North Dakota, whereby staff at the NPI Enumerator will enter the application data into the enumeration system. The form will be available only upon request through the NPI Enumerator. Health care providers who wish to obtain a copy of this form must contact the NPI Enumerator in any of these ways:

* Phone: (800) 465-3203 or TTY (800) 692-2326.
* E-mail: customerservice@npienumerator.com.
* Mail: NPI Enumerator
P.O. Box 6059
Fargo, ND 58108-6059

Electronic File Interchange (EFI), also referred to as "bulk enumeration," is a process by which physician and other health care providers (hereinafter simply referred to as "provider") or group of providers can have a particular organization (the "EFIO") apply for National Provider Identifiers (NPI) on their behalf. In other words, rather than a provider or group of providers submitting a paper or web NPI application, the EFIO obtains an NPI for him/her/them.

What makes EFI so unique is that one file can contain hundreds or thousands of providers' applications. By submitting these applications both simultaneously and electronically, the administrative and financial burdens for both the provider community and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are greatly reduced. These benefits are enhanced because EFI can also be used to change or update a provider's existing NPI information.

For more information on the EFI process, see the CMS Electronic File Interchange Summary (15-page PDF file; About PDFs).