Healthcare Data GlossaryProvider
Type 1 NPI: Definition and Healthcare Context
Full name: Individual National Provider Identifier
A Type 1 NPI is a National Provider Identifier assigned to individual health care providers — persons who render or provide health care services or supplies. Physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed practitioners hold Type 1 NPIs. An individual provider receives only one Type 1 NPI regardless of how many locations they practice in or organizations they belong to. Solo practitioners who bill independently are enumerated as Type 1 under HIPAA.
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: Type 1 records are distinguished by the entity_type_code field, enabling queries limited to individual practitioners.
- CMS PECOS Medicare Provider Enrollment: Type 1 NPIs are required for individual practitioner enrollment in Medicare.
- CMS Open Payments: physician payment disclosures use Type 1 NPIs to identify individual covered recipients.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Type 1 NPI?
- A Type 1 NPI is assigned to individual health care providers — people who personally provide health care services, such as physicians, dentists, and nurses.
- Can an individual have more than one NPI?
- No. An individual provider receives exactly one Type 1 NPI, even if they practice in multiple locations or specialties.
- What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 NPI?
- Type 1 NPIs identify individual providers (persons). Type 2 NPIs identify organizations such as hospitals or group practices.