Who can apply for an NPI?
All HIPAA-covered health care providers, whether they are individuals, such as physicians, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, or pharmacists, or organizations, such as hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, nursing homes, residential treatment centers, laboratories, ambulance companies, group practices, health maintenance organizations, suppliers of durable medical equipment, or pharmacies, may apply for an NPI. [iii] Excluded from the definition of health care providers are “atypical” providers (e.g., rehabilitation providers, social services, and nonmedical transportation providers). [iv]Other organizations that will not be able to obtain an NPI will include billing services, value-added networks, repricers, third-party administrators (TPAs), health care clearinghouses, and others in this category.
