What is a Type 1 NPI?
A Type 1 NPI is the National Provider Identifier assigned to an individual health care provider. This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, social workers, and many others who deliver care as individuals.
Because the NPI follows the person rather than a job or location, an individual keeps the same Type 1 NPI even if they move, change employers, or update their specialty. Those details are reflected in the provider's NPPES record, not by issuing a new number.
What a Type 1 NPI record shows
- The NPPES-reported name and any credential text (for example, "MD" or "RN").
- The taxonomy code(s) describing the provider's self-reported area of practice.
- The practice and mailing addresses on file in NPPES.
- Administrative dates such as enumeration and last update.
Credential text in NPPES is self-reported and is not a verification of licensure or board certification. To confirm a provider's license, check with the relevant state licensing board.
Type 1 vs. Type 2
A Type 2 NPI identifies an organization, such as a hospital, group practice, or pharmacy. Individuals receive Type 1 NPIs; organizations receive Type 2. Learn more in What is an NPI number?
Ready to look one up? Use the doctor NPI lookup to find an individual provider's public record.