Healthcare Data GlossaryData Standards
Taxonomy Code: Definition and Healthcare Context
Full name: Healthcare Provider Taxonomy Code
A healthcare provider taxonomy code is a 10-character alphanumeric code that classifies a provider's type, classification, and specialization. Maintained by the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC), taxonomy codes are used in HIPAA transactions and stored in NPPES alongside each NPI record. A provider may have multiple taxonomy codes, with one designated as primary. The code structure groups providers hierarchically: individuals, non-individual practitioners, and suppliers, each subdivided by specialty.
Last updated: 2026-06-17Reviewed by: Dr. Jennifer Montecillo, MD — Gullas College of Medicine, 2019. Non-practicing medical reviewer.
How it’s used
- CMS NPPES NPI Registry: every provider record in NPPES includes one or more taxonomy codes, with the primary code used to classify the provider's main specialty.
- CMS PECOS Medicare Provider Enrollment: taxonomy codes in PECOS records determine Medicare enrollment category and payment rules.
- CMS QPP MIPS: specialty groupings for MIPS reporting use NUCC taxonomy codes to assign eligible clinicians to the correct quality measure set.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a taxonomy code?
- A taxonomy code is a 10-character alphanumeric code maintained by NUCC that classifies a health care provider by type, classification, and specialization, such as 207Q00000X for Family Medicine.
- Where do taxonomy codes come from?
- Taxonomy codes are developed and maintained by the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) and updated annually.
- Can a provider have more than one taxonomy code?
- Yes. A provider may have multiple taxonomy codes in NPPES, with one designated as the primary code for billing purposes.