What is a Unique Physician ID Number?

A Unique Physician Identification Number, or UPIN, is a six-digit alphanumeric identifier that is assigned to physicians and other health care professionals who are enrolled in Medicare. The UPIN identification system was replaced with the National Provider Identifier, or NIP, system in 2007.

Prior to its migration to the NIP, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administered the UPIN system as part of its recordkeeping process. The number contains information regarding physicians individually or a group practice of physicians, and includes several data components, such as full name, specialty, physician license state code, ZIP code, billing number of the Medicare provider and state.