Frequently Asked Questions
What is an NPI and why does every provider have one?
An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique 10-digit number that CMS requires every healthcare provider to obtain before billing Medicare or Medicaid. It serves as the universal identifier for healthcare providers in federal systems. PlainDoctor is built from the NPPES — the federal registry of all NPI holders.
Does PlainDoctor rate or rank doctors?
No. PlainDoctor is strictly a directory of publicly available NPPES data. We do not provide quality ratings, patient reviews, malpractice information, or any scoring of providers. We present the official government data as-is.
Why doesn't my doctor appear in PlainDoctor?
Providers must have an NPI to appear in our database. Some practitioners — particularly those who do not bill Medicare or Medicaid — may not have registered for an NPI. If a provider is in the NPPES system but recently registered, it may take until our next monthly refresh to appear.
Can I check if a doctor is licensed or has been disciplined?
PlainDoctor shows NPI enrollment status only. To verify a license or check disciplinary history, contact your state's medical or nursing board directly. The Federation of State Medical Boards also maintains DocInfo.org for physician verification.
How often is PlainDoctor updated?
CMS releases updated NPPES bulk data files monthly. PlainDoctor is refreshed from the most recent monthly release. The current database reflects the latest available NPPES release.
Why does a provider's address look like an office building instead of a clinic?
Providers may register their administrative or billing address with CMS rather than their clinical practice location. The address in NPPES reflects what the provider submitted to CMS, which may be a billing office rather than where they see patients.
Is PlainDoctor affiliated with CMS or the federal government?
No. PlainDoctor is an independent data portal built by Kiznis.Studio. We present publicly available NPPES data in a searchable format but are not affiliated with CMS, HHS, or any government agency. For official provider verification, use the NPPES NPI Registry at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov.