National Provider Identifier (NPI)

The national provider identifier (NPI) is a unique  number for health care providers used in many standard transactions. RDNs, DTRs, and health coaches should have a NPI regardless of work environment, employment status, or whether submitting insurance claims to payers. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

 

The NPI serves as a digital footprint that can enable better understanding of care provided, including specific nutrition interventions, RDN attribution to patient care, and the evaluation and reporting of outcomes and quality measures. Health care trends suggest that the use and application of the NPI will grow as a result of an acceleration in the virtual delivery of health care services, as well as other changes in health care delivery and payment. 

 

Types of NPI:

Type 1: This number is assigned to an individual. A practitioner or other provider will only ever have one (1) NPI number.

Type 2: this is an organizational number for group practices. If you are considering forming a group practice or credentialing/contracting with certain insurance payers you will need a Type 1 and Type 2 NPI number. 

 

Obtaining an NPI can be done online via the National Plan and Provider Numeration System (NPPES) website.