HIMSS Word of the Day #133: National Provider Identifier (NPI)
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is the unique 10-digit number that identifies healthcare providers in HIPAA standard transactions. This post explains how NPIs are assigned through NPPES, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 NPIs, how they are used in claims, prescriptions, and directories, why provider data quality matters, and what nurses should know.