How do I find my Taxonomy Code?

Click on the link in the checklist instructions to find your Taxonomy Code. For example, if you are coming to
Northwestern as a Plastic Surgery resident, CTRL+F Plastic Surgery, and use that code. Your specialty may appear in
multiple places as the crosswalk has multiple methods of listing specialties and subsequent subspecialties. If you are
unsure of which one to select, use the specialty code (for example, if you’re a Vitreoretinal Diseases fellow, select
“Ophthalmology”).

How do I change my Taxonomy Code?

Change or update your taxonomy code online by accessing the NPI Registry website, where you initially registered for
your NPI number (https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov), and complete the steps below. If you forget your username or password,
there are instructions on retrieving that information on page two.

1. On the Home Page of the NPPES website, enter your I&A User ID and password.

2. Select the “Pencil” ICON in the Action column of the NPI you wish to modify.

3. Navigate to the Taxonomy page by either:

a. Selecting Taxonomy from the left navigation panel
b. Selecting Taxonomy on the top progression bar.
c. Selecting Next until you are navigated to the Taxonomy page.
4. To change the Primary Taxonomy code, select the radio button next to the Taxonomy to designate which of the
codes listed is the primary Taxonomy.

5. To change or add a Taxonomy code:

a. Select Add Taxonomy.
b. Once you have selected the desired Taxonomy code, it will allow you to input an associated license and state
of issue, if applicable.
c. Select Save to store the new information and return to a list of all Taxonomy and licenses currently on the
record.
6. To delete a Taxonomy code:
a. Select Delete associated with the Taxonomy code you wish to remove.
7. Navigate to the Submission page

8. Select Submit.

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What do I do if I cannot remember my password?

Select the FORGOT USER ID OR PASSWORD button on the on the Home Page of the NPPES website, this will navigate you
to the Identity and Access (I&A) system. If you remember your User ID but cannot remember your password, you may
reset your password by selecting the “Forgot Password” link on the I&A Sign In page and follow the instructions on the
screen. You must either answer three of the challenge/security questions associated with the User ID, or enter the
required User Information associated with your account (see an example screen shot below).
Note: After three unsuccessful attempts to answer the three security questions, you will be required to enter the User
Information associated with your account.

What do I do if I cannot remember my User ID?

If you cannot remember your User ID, you may select the “Retrieve Forgotten User ID” link on the I&A Sign In page and
follow the instructions on the screen. You must provide either a unique email address associated with your account to
receive your User ID via email, or enter the required User Information associated with your account to view your User ID
immediately.
Note: If you retrieve your User ID without using your email, you will also be required to change your password.

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