Healthcare Data GlossaryData Standards
NPPES: Definition and Healthcare Context
Full name: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System
The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) is the CMS database that assigns and maintains National Provider Identifiers. Health care providers apply for NPIs through NPPES, which collects provider names, practice locations, and taxonomy codes. NPPES data is publicly downloadable as a monthly bulk file and is also accessible through the NPI Registry API. The system enumerates both individual providers (Type 1 NPI) and organizations (Type 2 NPI) across all U.S. health care settings.
Last updated: 2026-05-31Reviewed by: Dr. Jennifer Montecillo, MD — Gullas College of Medicine, 2019. Non-practicing medical reviewer.
How it’s used
- CMS NPPES NPI Registry: the NPPES bulk download is Fonteum's primary source for provider identifiers, addresses, taxonomy codes, and enumeration dates.
- CMS PECOS Medicare Provider Enrollment: PECOS records are joined to NPPES via NPI to link enrollment status to provider demographics.
- CMS QPP MIPS: NPI-level MIPS scores from QPP are enriched with taxonomy and specialty data sourced from NPPES.
Frequently asked questions
- What does NPPES stand for?
- NPPES stands for National Plan and Provider Enumeration System — the CMS database that assigns and maintains National Provider Identifiers.
- Is NPPES data public?
- Yes. CMS publishes the full NPPES dataset as a monthly bulk download at no cost, containing all active NPI records.
- What information does NPPES contain?
- NPPES records include provider name, practice address, mailing address, taxonomy codes, NPI type, enumeration date, and deactivation date.