Do You Really Need an NPI Number as a Holistic Nurse Entrepreneur? Here's What You Should Know.

Brigitte Sager
6 days ago
3 min read

Spoiler alert: If you're an RN starting a health coaching or holistic nursing practice, the answer might be no. But there’s more to the story—and if you're an NP, it’s most likely a yes. Even if you had one with a previous employer, there are things to know!

Let’s break it down.

What Is an NPI Number (and Why Does It Matter)?

An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It’s used to track healthcare providers in billing, prescribing, and lab ordering systems.

There are two types:

Type 1: For individuals (like you).
Type 2: For organizations or group practices.

Today, we’re focusing on Type 1 NPIs—the one you’d apply for as a solo RN, NP, CNM, or CRNA. So as far as Type 2 NPIs, what you really need to know is simply that is the number a clinic, long-term care facility, or hospital system might have to identify themselves to insurers.

Do RNs Need an NPI?

If you're an RN practicing in a consultative, coaching, or holistic wellness role that doesn’t involve ordering diagnostics, billing insurance, or prescribing, you are not legally required to have an NPI.

But—and this is a big but—some labs, supplement platforms, and partner vendors may require one in order to collaborate or open a practitioner account. So even though it’s not required, it might be strategically smart to get one.

Good news: It’s free, easy, and takes just a few minutes to apply online. And once you have it? It's yours for life—even if you change jobs, titles, or states.

What About NPs, CNMs, and CRNAs?

If you're an advanced practice nurse who:

Accepts or bills insurance
Orders labs or diagnostics
Prescribes medications

Then yes—you must have a Type 1 NPI number. You may already have a Type 1 NPI number if you've been practicing as an NP, CNM, or CRNA for any period of time.

It's considered a non-negotiable part of working as a licensed independent provider, especially if you’re stepping into entrepreneurial practice where you’ll handle your own ordering and documentation.

Why Nurses in Holistic Business Should Care

If you're building a functional medicine, integrative, or holistic nursing practice, this small but important step sets you up for future growth.

Think of your NPI like your professional fingerprint—it opens doors you may not need today, but could unlock new opportunities tomorrow.

And if you're working toward building your own virtual or in-person holistic practice (like many of our students inside the Holistic Nursing Entrepreneur Program™), having an NPI already in place makes vendor relationships smoother down the line.

How to Apply for a Type 1 NPI in 5 Minutes

Here's what you need to know:

Go to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) at nppes.cms.hhs.gov
Create an account or log in.
Fill out the short application (you’ll select “Individual Provider” for Type 1).
Submit and receive your NPI—usually the same day.

Pro Tip: Save your login info and NPI number somewhere secure. You may need it more often than you think!

What We Learned Inside the Holistic Nursing Entrepreneur Program™

When this question came up in our private HNEP group MeetUps, we did a deep dive. Several of our founding nurse entrepreneurs did a deep dive on this topic, confirming what I already suspected:

You don’t need one to start your RN coaching or wellness business.
But you’ll probably want one sooner rather than later.

This kind of clarity is why our HNEP students are building smart, compliant, and confidence-led practices. Because when you’re starting something as meaningful as your dream holistic nursing practice—you want to do it right.

Bottom Line for Holistic Nurse Entrepreneurs

RNs: You can get an NPI. You don’t legally need one—but it’s might come up when partnering with vendors.
NPs, CNMs, CRNAs: You must have one if you do anything clinical (labs, diagnostics, prescriptions, billing).
It’s fast, free, and for life.

Ready to Start Your Own Holistic Practice the Right Way?

You're not just starting a business—you’re rewriting what healthcare can look like. Let us guide you every step of the way.

Join the Holistic Nursing Entrepreneur Program™—a step-by-step course designed by nurses, for nurses—and learn exactly how to set up a business that aligns with your values and your scope.