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Dr. NPI Search
Guide

How to read provider taxonomy codes

Taxonomy is how an NPI record describes a provider's specialty. The codes look cryptic, but they follow a clear structure — and there are important limits on what they prove.

What a taxonomy code is

A provider taxonomy code is a 10-character code from the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) Health Care Provider Taxonomy. It classifies a provider by type, classification, and specialization. On Dr. NPI Search we show a plain-English specialty label first and keep the raw code as a secondary detail — see our taxonomy reference.

How a taxonomy code is structured

Each NPPES taxonomy describes a self-reported area of practice in up to three levels.

  1. 1Type
    Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
    The broad provider category.
  2. 2Classification
    Family Medicine
    The area of practice within the type.
  3. 3Specialization
    Adolescent Medicine
    An optional, more specific focus.

Taxonomy is a self-reported classification in CMS NPPES. It is not a credential, license, board certification, or measure of quality.

Primary vs. additional taxonomies

A provider may list several taxonomies and mark one as primary. The primary taxonomy is the main self-reported specialty and is what we display most prominently; additional taxonomies describe other areas the provider associates with. All of them are self-reported.

How to read it

  • Type — the broad grouping (for example, an allopathic/osteopathic physician, a nurse, or an organization category).
  • Classification — the specialty within that type (for example, internal medicine).
  • Specialization — a more specific focus where one applies.

The limits of taxonomy

Taxonomy is self-reported and administrative. It describes how a provider classified themselves in NPPES — not their board certification, training, current scope of practice, or competence. A taxonomy may also be out of date if a provider's focus has changed. For what the registry can and cannot establish, see what an NPI record shows.

Source: public CMS NPPES records.

Frequently asked questions

What is a taxonomy code on an NPI record?
It is a standardized code from the NUCC Health Care Provider Taxonomy that describes a provider's type, classification, and specialization. We show a plain-English label alongside the code.
Does the taxonomy prove a provider's qualifications?
No. Taxonomy is self-reported and describes how the provider classified themselves in NPPES. It is not board certification or proof of training, scope, or competence.
Why does a provider have more than one taxonomy?
Providers can list multiple taxonomies and designate a primary one. The primary taxonomy is the main self-reported specialty; the others are additional classifications.