Answer: All eligible health care providers. There are two types of providers:
- Type 1 - Health care providers who are individuals (practitioners), including physicians, dentists, and all sole proprietors. If you represent an unincorporated solo practice and have received only a Type 1 NPI, please do not submit that NPI as a Type 2 Organizational NPI. Instead, submit the NPI as the practitioner’s NPI.
- Type 2 - Health care providers who are organizations, including physician groups, hospitals, nursing homes, and the corporation formed when an individual incorporates him/herself. Other examples include independent laboratories, ambulatory surgery centers, multiple physician practices or incorporated solo practices.
Example: If a practice has five practitioners, each practitioner will need an NPI number (Type 1). The group will also need an NPI number (Type 2).