# NPI Registry > website and searchable database for National Provider Identifiers **Wikidata**: [Q106520379](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106520379) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/npi-registry ## Summary The NPI Registry is a website and searchable database maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that provides access to National Provider Identifiers (NPIs). It serves as a centralized system for healthcare providers to manage and verify their unique identification numbers, which are required for billing and administrative purposes in the U.S. healthcare system. ## Key Facts - The NPI Registry website was launched in 1990. - It is operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). - The registry contains National Provider Identifiers (NPIs), which are unique 10-digit codes assigned to healthcare providers. - The website is available in English and was last updated on April 17, 2021. - The registry is hosted on the domain `npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov`. - It is an online database and website, primarily used for healthcare provider identification and verification. - The main subject of the registry is the National Provider Identifier (NPI). - The registry is based in the United States, with its place of publication in Baltimore. - The registry has 158 sitelinks, indicating a substantial number of related web pages. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the purpose of the NPI Registry? A: The NPI Registry provides a searchable database for National Provider Identifiers (NPIs), which are unique 10-digit codes assigned to healthcare providers in the U.S. These identifiers are used for billing, administrative, and identification purposes in the healthcare system. ### Q: Who operates the NPI Registry? A: The NPI Registry is operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ### Q: How can I access the NPI Registry? A: The NPI Registry is accessible via its official website at [https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/](https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/). Users can search for healthcare providers and their associated NPIs through the database. ### Q: What is a National Provider Identifier (NPI)? A: A National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique 10-digit code assigned to healthcare providers in the United States. It is used for identification, billing, and administrative purposes in the healthcare system. ### Q: Is the NPI Registry available in languages other than English? A: The NPI Registry is primarily available in English, as indicated by the language qualifier in the source material. ## Why It Matters The NPI Registry plays a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a standardized and searchable database for healthcare provider identification. The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is essential for billing, administrative, and identification purposes, ensuring that healthcare providers can be accurately tracked and verified. The registry helps streamline healthcare transactions, reduce errors, and improve the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. By maintaining a centralized system for NPIs, the registry supports compliance with federal regulations and enhances the interoperability of healthcare data. Its significance lies in its role as a foundational component of the healthcare provider identification framework in the United States. ## Notable For - Being the official source for National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) in the U.S., ensuring healthcare providers have a unique and standardized identification code. - Operating as a searchable online database, allowing users to quickly verify and locate healthcare provider information. - Maintaining a substantial number of related web pages (158 sitelinks), indicating a comprehensive and well-structured resource for healthcare professionals and administrators. - Serving as a key tool for healthcare billing, administrative, and identification purposes, supporting compliance with federal regulations. - Being based in Baltimore, reflecting its connection to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and its role in the U.S. healthcare system. ## Body ### Overview The NPI Registry is an online database and website operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the United States. It serves as the official source for National Provider Identifiers (NPIs), which are unique 10-digit codes assigned to healthcare providers. ### Purpose and Function The primary purpose of the NPI Registry is to provide a searchable database for healthcare providers to manage and verify their NPIs. These identifiers are essential for billing, administrative, and identification purposes in the U.S. healthcare system. The registry ensures that healthcare providers have a standardized and unique identification code, facilitating accurate tracking and verification. ### Access and Usage The NPI Registry is accessible via its official website at [https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/](https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/). Users can search for healthcare providers and their associated NPIs through the database. The registry is available in English and was last updated on April 17, 2021. ### Significance The NPI Registry plays a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a centralized system for healthcare provider identification. It supports compliance with federal regulations, enhances the interoperability of healthcare data, and improves the overall efficiency of healthcare transactions. The registry's significance lies in its role as a foundational component of the healthcare provider identification framework in the United States. ### Technical Details The NPI Registry is hosted on the domain `npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov` and has 158 sitelinks, indicating a substantial number of related web pages. The registry is an online database and website, primarily used for healthcare provider identification and verification. The main subject of the registry is the National Provider Identifier (NPI), which is a unique 10-digit code assigned to healthcare providers. The registry is based in the United States, with its place of publication in Baltimore.