Official State of Rhode Island website

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services State of Rhode Island

National Provider Identifier

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandated the adoption of a unique health identifier, or National Provider Identifier (NPI), for health care providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. Effective May 23, 2007, the NPI will be the only healthcare provider identifier that will be accepted/used for identification purposes for standard transactions by health care providers, health plans, or healthcare clearinghouses. See CMS website/Information on NPI.

How do I get an NPI?

The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) is the contractor hired by CMS to assign and process the NPIs. To learn more about NPI and how to apply, go to the NPPES website

To apply for a NPI using a paper application, check the NPPES website and click on National Provider Identifier (NPI) highlighted in blue. The NPI application is 3-pages with instructions.

Additional Information