Provider taxonomy codes, explained

A taxonomy code is a 10-character code that says what kind of provider someone is: "207Q00000X" is Family Medicine, "363LF0000X" is a family nurse practitioner, "332B00000X" is a durable medical equipment supplier.

Where the codes come from

The Health Care Provider Taxonomy is maintained by the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) and updated twice a year, in January and July. It's arranged in three levels:

• Grouping: a broad category, such as Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians or Dental Providers.
• Classification: the field within it, such as Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
• Specialization: a narrower area, such as Cardiovascular Disease within Internal Medicine.

Primary and additional codes

When providers apply for an NPI they choose at least one taxonomy code and can list up to 15, each with a state license number where one applies. One is marked primary. Our provider pages show every code on file and label the primary one; the specialty pages group providers by their primary code.

Why it matters

Insurers use the taxonomy code on a claim to decide how to process it, so a wrong or outdated code can cause denied claims. A provider whose specialty has changed should update their taxonomy in NPPES. How to update an NPI record.