What does a deactivated NPI mean?

A deactivated NPI is no longer valid for billing. CMS deactivates an NPI when the provider dies, when an organization dissolves, after fraud, or at the provider's request.

What you'll see

Once an NPI is deactivated, CMS removes the provider's name and details from the public file and publishes only the number and the date it was deactivated. Our page for a deactivated NPI shows the same. An NPI is never reassigned, so the number can't now belong to someone else.

Reactivating

A provider whose NPI was deactivated (for example, after retiring) can ask NPPES to reactivate it. It keeps the same number. Reactivated NPIs show as active again with their reactivation date.

If a claim or bill uses a deactivated NPI

Claims with a deactivated NPI are usually rejected. If a bill you received lists a deactivated NPI, ask the provider's office which NPI they bill under now.