Glossary

NPI / NPPES

An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique federal ID for a U.S. healthcare provider, listed in the public NPPES registry; matching it confirms a clinician is who they claim to be.

How it works

Every covered provider has a 10-digit NPI in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). Cross-checking a profile's name and credentials against the NPPES record is a standard identity signal.

Why it matters when choosing a therapist

An NPI match ties the person in front of you to a federal provider record — a basic, public anti-impersonation check that complements the state-board license verification.

Primary source: NPPES registry. Informational, not legal, medical, or clinical advice — for guidance about your situation, consult a licensed professional. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 — free, 24/7. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In an emergency, call 911.

Related: License verification

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Last reviewed 2026-06-25.

NPI / NPPES — what it means | Kairn glossary · Kairn