Entity Type 1 NPI

Individual health care providers may get NPIs as Entity Type 1. As a sole proprietor, you must apply for the NPI using your own SSN, not an Employer Identification Number (EIN) even if you have an EIN.

As a sole proprietor, you may get only 1 NPI, just like any other individual. For example, if a physician is a sole proprietor, the physician may get only 1 NPI (the individual’s NPI).

The following factors don’t affect whether a sole proprietor is an Entity Type 1:

● Number of different office locations

● Whether you’ve employees

● Whether the IRS issued an EIN to you so your employees’ W-2 forms can show the EIN instead of your Taxpayer Identification Number (which is your SSN)

Note:An incorporated individual is a single health care provider who forms and conducts business under a corporation. A sole proprietor isn’t an incorporated individual because the sole proprietor didn’t form a corporation. If you’re a sole practitioner or solo practitioner, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a sole proprietor, and vice versa.