A nurse practitioner (NP) can apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) to help aid in the process of providing healthcare services in the United States. An NPI is an identification number that is assigned to health care providers and entities by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It serves as a unique identifier for each provider, enabling CMS to track services provided by each individual. NPIs are used by organizations such as insurance companies, government agencies, employers, and other health care service providers. The NPI is also used when making claims or verifying benefits with the appropriate agency.

In order to apply for an NPI number, a nurse practitioner must start by registering with the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). This system was created specifically to assign NPIs and maintain up-to-date information about healthcare providers throughout the United States. To register with NPPES, nurse practitioners will need their license information from their respective state board of nursing along with other required documents. These typically include proof of identity such as driver’s license or passport; Social Security Number; Tax Identification Number; business address; practice address(es); phone numbers; email addresses; website URLs; specialty areas of practice and credentialing information from designated accrediting bodies such as American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center etc., depending on which states they are practicing in. Once these items have been submitted successfully along with all necessary documentation it usually takes about two weeks for CMS to review and approve/deny the application after which time a confirmation letter containing an NPI will be sent out via mail if approved .