Health Care Provider Taxonomy Code Set FAQs

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

The Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set allows a single provider (individual, group, or institution) to identify their specialty category. Providers may have one or more than one value associated to them. When determining what value or values to associate with a provider, the user needs to review the requirements of the trading partner with which the value(s) are being used.

• How do I use the On-Line list?
• Where are they used?
• What do the Levels mean?
• How many categories are there?
• Does choosing a taxonomy code mean I met the licensure/certification requirements for that provider?
• Do I have to have the definition source's certification in order to choose the code?
• How are they maintained?
• Who maintains them?
• When is the code list published?
• How do I request a change?
• When was the last revision?
• Is there a revision summary?
• Are there other download formats?
• Is there background information?