The short answer: In the NPI type 1 vs type 2 split, Type 1 is for individual health care providers, such as physicians, nurse practitioners and sole proprietors. Type 2 is for health care organizations, such as hospitals, nursing homes and physician groups. Some providers can hold both, which is covered below.
What an NPI is
CMS describes the National Provider Identifier (NPI) as the 10-digit standard unique health identifier for health care providers. The NPI standard was adopted under HIPAA.
Under federal rules, the national provider system assigns a single, unique NPI to a health care provider. NPIs are assigned and stored by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), which CMS maintains.
Type 1: individual providers
A Type 1 NPI is for an individual health care provider. CMS's examples are physicians, nurse practitioners and sole proprietors. Individuals are eligible for only one NPI.
CMS's NPI application (Form CMS-10114) says a sole proprietorship is an Entity Type 1 (Individual).
Type 2: organizations
A Type 2 NPI is for a health care organization, such as a hospital, nursing home or physician group. CMS's rule defines organization health care providers as providers who are not individuals, and classifies them as Entity Type 2.
Unlike individuals, organizations can have more than one NPI.
If you run a group, see our page on credentialing for group practices.
Type 1 vs Type 2 at a glance
Type 1 | Type 2 | |
|---|---|---|
Who it is for | Individual health care providers | Health care organizations, meaning providers who are not individuals |
CMS examples | Physicians, nurse practitioners, sole proprietors | Hospitals, nursing homes, physician groups |
How many | One per individual | An organization can have multiple |
Sole proprietorship | Entity Type 1 (Individual) | n/a |
Solely owned corporation that is a health care provider | The owner may get a Type 1 for themselves if a health care provider | Obtains NPIs as Entity Type 2 |
When you may need both
If you're incorporated, read this part. CMS says a health care provider who is incorporated can get an NPI for themselves (Type 1) and an NPI for their corporation or LLC (Type 2).
The form also says solely owned corporations that are health care providers obtain NPIs as Entity Type 2.
Check the CMS-10114 instructions or NPPES for your situation.
Keeping your NPI record current
Under 45 CFR 162.410, covered health care providers must report changes to their required NPPES data within 30 days of the change. (eCFR, 45 CFR 162.410)
Starting a practice and sorting out which NPIs apply? See our page on credentialing for new practices. For the enrollment step that comes after, see our provider enrollment help.
FAQs
What is the difference between NPI type 1 vs type 2?
Type 1 is for individual health care providers. Type 2 is for health care organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes and physician groups.
Can I have both a Type 1 and a Type 2 NPI?
CMS says a provider who is incorporated can get a Type 1 NPI for themselves and a Type 2 NPI for their corporation or LLC.
Can an organization have more than one NPI?
Yes. CMS says organizations can have multiple NPIs, while individuals are eligible for only one.
Where are NPIs issued?
NPPES assigns and stores NPIs. CMS maintains it.
Not sure your NPI details are ready for enrollment?
Our provider setup package includes a CAQH and NPI readiness check.
A credentialing audit is a preliminary review of where your credentialing stands. You receive a written report of the current issues we find with your credentialing.
Approval, effective dates, and processing timelines are outside our control.
Sources
- CMS, The National Provider Identifier (NPI) Fact Sheet (December 2024), https://www.cms.gov/files/document/npi-fact-sheet.pdf
- Form CMS-10114, NPI Application/Update Form (OMB No. 0938-0931), https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/downloads/cms10114.pdf
- CMS, Unique Identifiers FAQs (page last modified 03/16/2026)
- eCFR, 45 CFR 162.410(a)(4) (point-in-time 2026-10-15)
- eCFR, 45 CFR 162.408 (point-in-time 2026-10-15)
- NPPES, https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/