Health Care Provider Taxonomy

Choosing a Code

Health Care Provider Taxonomy codes are self-selected by the provider. These codes are for health care providers that are enrolled with payers. Taxonomy codes are not used to define services rendered, but instead are used to define area of specialty. Providers need to determine the most appropriate taxonomy code(s) for them, which is a business decision they need to make based on education and training. Scope of licensure is not within the purview of the taxonomy code set.

Code Set Resources

The following on the Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set are available from the "Provider Taxonomy" drop-down menu:

On-line Lookup is the complete list of Health Care Provider Taxonomy codes.

Questions is where you can submit a question about the code set.

More Information is a list of FAQs about the code set and how to use it.

New Codes is a complete list of new codes that have been added to the code set since the last update.

Modifications is a complete list of modifications that have been made to the code set since the last update.

PDF is where you can download a PDF version of the current or previous versions of the code set. 

CSV is where you can download a Comma Separated Values (CSV) version of the code set. 

Vendors interested in incorporating the Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set into their commercial products must complete the license request form found on the CSV page.

Background Information

The Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set is an external, nonmedical data code set designed for use in an electronic environment, specifically within the ASC X12N Health Care transactions. This includes the transactions mandated under HIPAA.

The Health Care Provider Taxonomy code is a unique alphanumeric code, ten characters in length. The code set is structured into three distinct "Levels" including Provider Grouping, Classification, and Area of Specialization.

The National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) is presently maintaining the code set. It is used in transactions specified in HIPAA and the National Provider Identifier (NPI) application for enumeration. Effective 2001, the NUCC took over the administration of the code set. Ongoing duties, including processing taxonomy code requests and maintenance of the code set, fall under the NUCC Code Subcommittee.

Code Request/Change Criteria

To request new codes or modifications to existing codes in the code set, complete the following form and email it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please review the criteria closely and provide all necessary information. Incomplete forms will be returned to the requester.

Health Care Provider Taxonomy Code Set Request Form v6 [PDF File]