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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: 2026-06-17Reviewed 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.

Related terms

  • NPI Number
  • Type 2 NPI
  • NPPES
  • Taxonomy Code
  • UPIN
  • PECOS

Authoritative sources

  • CMS: NPI enumerator — Type 1 vs Type 2↗
  • NPPES NPI Registry↗
← All glossary terms

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Reviewed by Jennifer Montecillo, MD, medical reviewer. Non-practicing medical reviewer.

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Reviewed by Jennifer Montecillo, MD, medical reviewer. Non-practicing medical reviewer.

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