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SPECIFICTION
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NPPES NPI Registry

npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov

Free plan WebAPI
Visit npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
Spec score 7.5 #8 of 16 in Healthcare Provider Directories

What it is

The NPPES NPI Registry is a free public directory of active National Provider Identifier records. NPPES assigns unique NPIs to health care providers and health plans, and the registry supports lookups by NPI number or type, taxonomy, provider or organization name, authorized official, location, postal code, and address type. CMS provides access through web search, an API, and downloadable files. The search page limits results to the first 2100 records, and hourly query limits apply; bulk queries must use the DDS file. CMS recommends Version 2 downloads because Version 1 monthly and weekly files are no longer supported. The listed September 14, 2026 monthly Version 2 ZIP is 1,105.79 MB, and each zipped download includes reference files for other names, practice locations, and endpoints. Registry records and downloads are subject to FOIA disclosure, and active records cannot be suppressed or opted out. CMS says it provides no help desk or technical support for downloading, manipulating, or using dissemination files. The system also supports provider endpoints such as Direct addresses and FHIR server URLs for electronic health information exchange.

Spec sheet

Purpose
NPPES assigns unique National Provider Identifiers to health care providers and health plans.Read 30 Sep 2026 · security.cms.gov
Security
NPPES uses need-to-know access, role-based controls, firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and multifactor authentication.Read 30 Sep 2026 · security.cms.gov
Access methods
CMS provides the directory through public web search, full downloadable files and an API.Read 30 Sep 2026 · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
Current data file
The September 14, 2026 monthly Version 2 dissemination file is provided in ZIP format and is listed as 1,105.79 MB.Read 30 Sep 2026 · download.cms.gov
Digital contacts
NPPES can capture provider endpoints such as Direct addresses, FHIR server URLs and query endpoints for electronic health information exchange.Read 30 Sep 2026 · cms.gov
Download contents
Each zipped downloadable file includes Other Name, Practice Location and Endpoint reference files.Read 30 Sep 2026 · download.cms.gov
Download support
CMS states that no help desk or technical support is available for downloading, manipulating or using the dissemination file.Read 30 Sep 2026 · cms.gov
File version
Effective March 3, 2026, NPPES no longer supports Version 1 monthly and weekly downloadable files and recommends Version 2.Read 30 Sep 2026 · download.cms.gov
Integration
NPPES shares an API with CMS's Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System to update provider information.Read 30 Sep 2026 · security.cms.gov
Public directory
The NPI Registry is a free directory of active National Provider Identifier records.Read 30 Sep 2026 · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
Public disclosure
NPI Registry and downloadable data are FOIA-disclosable, and active NPPES records cannot be suppressed or opted out.Read 30 Sep 2026 · cms.gov
Query limits
Since June 25, 2024, NPPES limits the number of Registry queries that can be completed per hour, and bulk queries must use the DDS file.Read 30 Sep 2026 · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
Search
Search supports NPI number, NPI type, taxonomy, provider or organization names, authorized official names, city, state, country, postal code and address type.Read 30 Sep 2026 · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
Search limit
The search page limits results to the first 2100 records.Read 30 Sep 2026 · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
Target users
The system's users include providers, enumerators, CMS staff and the health care industry.Read 30 Sep 2026 · security.cms.gov

Plans and prices

NPI Registry Public Search Free active NPI records · first 2100 search results · hourly query limits Read 30 Sep 2026 · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov

Every NPPES NPI Registry plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Searches by NPI, taxonomy, names, and location.
  • Access available through web, API, and downloads.
  • Download ZIPs include location and endpoint references.
  • Free public search covers active NPI records.

Limits

  • Search results are limited to the first 2100 records.
  • Hourly query limits apply.
  • Bulk queries must use the DDS file.
  • No technical support is available for dissemination files.

Who it suits

It suits providers, enumerators, CMS staff, and the health care industry looking up active NPI records or using the API and downloadable files. Users seeking bulk data should account for query limits and the DDS file requirement.

Verdict

The registry offers several ways to find active NPI records, with detailed search fields and API access. For bulk data, consider the query limits, Version 2 file guidance, large listed download, and lack of technical support.

Where Specifiction places it

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