A ten-digit unique numeric identifier for health care providers (individuals and organizations) to use in administrative and financial transactions. The identifier was mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is used as a standard identifier by providers, health care plans, and employers. All health care providers may obtain this identifier, including:

All health care providers who are HIPAA-covered entities must have this identifier. Providers who want to enroll in Medicare to be a Medicare provider must have this identifier and include it in the enrollment application.