How to Apply for Your NPI Number as a Doula

Lorie Michaels, CD(DONA), LCCE, PMH-C, CLC, BRMPro
Aug 9
2 min read

Updated: Aug 20

Everything you need to know about the process, why it matters, and which taxonomy codes to use.

Why Doulas Need an NPI Number

If you’re a birth or postpartum doula, you may be wondering why you keep hearing about “getting your NPI.”An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique 10-digit number issued by the federal government to identify healthcare providers in the U.S. While it’s not a license or certification, it’s often needed when:

Submitting for insurance reimbursement on behalf of clients
Working with hospitals, clinics, or state programs that require provider identification
Joining networks of other health professionals for billing or referrals

Having an NPI number helps establish you as a recognized provider in the healthcare system, even if you are not a medical professional.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your NPI Number

Applying is free, and the process usually takes less than 20 minutes.

1. Gather your information:

Your full legal name (or business name if you’ll be registering under it)
Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Mailing address and practice location address (these can be the same)
Phone number and email
Your taxonomy code (see below)

2. Go to the official NPI application site:Visit the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) at:🔗 https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov

3. Create a login:You’ll need to set up an account in the CMS Identity & Access (I&A) system before you can apply.

4. Complete the application:

Choose Type 1 (Individual) if you’re applying as yourself, not as a business entity.
Enter your personal and practice details.
Select your taxonomy code(s) — you can choose more than one if your services span multiple areas.

5. Submit & save your information:Once approved (usually within 1–5 days), you’ll receive your NPI number via email. Keep it somewhere safe—you’ll use it on insurance forms and other professional documents.

Taxonomy Codes for Doulas & Related Providers

You can select one or more, depending on your services:

Doula – 374J00000X
Lactation Consultant, Non-RN – 174N00000X
Health Educator – 174H00000X

Tip: If you provide multiple services (e.g., birth doula + lactation consultant), you can list more than one taxonomy code.

Common Questions

Do I need to renew my NPI? No—once you have your NPI, it’s yours for life. You only need to update your information if your name, address, or practice details change.

Does an NPI mean I’m certified or licensed? No—your NPI is simply a federal provider identification number. Your training, certifications, and scope of practice still depend on your doula education and state regulations.

Is there a cost? No—applying for and maintaining your NPI is completely free.

Final Thoughts

Getting your NPI number is a small but important step in positioning yourself as a professional in the birth and postpartum care field. It opens doors for insurance reimbursement, hospital collaborations, and being seen as part of the larger healthcare system—while still working from the heart of doula care.

If you’re part of the BirthPro Mentorship Collective, we’ll walk you through the application in real time and help you decide which taxonomy codes fit your services best.