When it comes to landing your next CRNA job, there’s one number that keeps coming up—the National Provider Identifier (NPI). Yet, many CRNAs hesitate to share it, thinking it’s some kind of personal, sensitive information. In reality, your NPI is public, and understanding its role in the hiring process can help streamline your job search instead of slowing it down.
What Is an NPI Number?
An NPI (National Provider Identifier) number is a unique, 10-digit identification number assigned to healthcare providers by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It was created to improve the efficiency of electronic health records and is used across various healthcare settings. Unlike your Social Security Number, your NPI is not private—it’s publicly accessible in the NPI Registry, where employers and credentialing teams can verify your identity and professional credentials.
Why Do Employers Ask for Your NPI?
Hospitals, practice groups, and staffing agencies request NPIs for a few key reasons:
✅ Credentialing & Compliance – Many healthcare employers use NPIs to verify licensure, work history, and certifications. It’s part of standard compliance checks.
✅ Billing & Insurance – If a hospital or group bills insurance for services provided by a CRNA, they often need the NPI on file.
✅ Identity Verification – Employers check NPIs to confirm they are speaking to a licensed CRNA and not someone misrepresenting their credentials.
Why Gatekeeping Your NPI Might Be Hurting You
Despite the clear benefits, some CRNAs still hesitate to provide their NPI to potential employers. This can actually slow down the hiring process or create unnecessary friction. Here’s why:
🚫 Employers Can Look It Up Anyway – Your NPI is public. Refusing to provide it doesn’t actually prevent them from accessing it—it just delays the process.
🚫 It Can Cause Credentialing Delays – Many healthcare systems require the NPI early in the hiring process. If you hold back, you might miss out on a quick turnaround.
🚫 It Creates a Red Flag – Employers might assume you’re unfamiliar with the hiring process—or worse, that something is off with your credentials.
How to Protect Yourself the Right Way
If you’re worried about protecting your professional identity, there are better ways to safeguard yourself than withholding your NPI:
✔ Vet Who You’re Speaking To – If a recruiter or employer asks for your NPI, verify their legitimacy before sharing it. Reputable organizations won’t hesitate to provide their credentials as well.
✔ Understand the Hiring Process – Educate yourself on standard credentialing and hiring practices so you know what’s normal and what’s not. Stay tuned to our emails and blogs.
✔ Use Platforms That Prioritize Transparency – Lokum App allows CRNAs to connect directly with vetted employers and recruiting firms, reducing the risk of misrepresentation.
The Bottom Line: Your NPI Works for You, Not Against You
Your NPI isn’t a secret—it’s a professional identifier that helps employers verify your qualifications and move your hiring process along faster. Instead of seeing it as a risk, think of it as a tool that makes your career more accessible and credentialing more efficient.
Want to learn more about how to navigate the CRNA job market like a pro? Check out Career Compass on Lokumapp.com for more expert insights.