NPI Taxonomy Codes Explained

A taxonomy code is a 10-character code that says what kind of provider you are and what you specialize in.

What they are

The Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set is maintained by the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC). Each code, such as 207Q00000X (Family Medicine), names a provider type and sometimes a specialization. NPPES stores them on every NPI record, and claims often carry them.

How they're built

Codes are 10 characters: digits and letters ending in X.
They are grouped: for example Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians, Nursing Service Providers, Dental Providers, Hospitals.
Each has a classification (the broad type) and, for many, a specialization.

Primary and other codes

A provider can list up to 15 taxonomy codes in NPPES, with one marked primary. The counts on this site use each provider's primary code.

Which code is yours?

Use the code on your NPPES record; if your specialty changes, update NPPES first. Browse the full list of codes, with how many providers use each one. Payers may have rules about which code goes on a claim, so check with them.

Sources

Reviewed October 2026. Federal rules and CMS pages change; check them for the latest.

Look one up

Need a number now? Search the registry by NPI, name or organization.