Side by side
Medicare Care Compare vs NPPES NPI Registry
Both stand on healthcare provider directories. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Care Compare provides a broad provider directory with search, comparison, maps, and filters. Its clinician information includes profile and performance details, while hospital listings are limited to Medicare-certified hospitals.
Visit Medicare Care Compare Free plan APIWeb
NPPES provides several ways to look up or obtain active NPI records, with detailed search fields and downloadable data. Check query limits, file versions, and the public-disclosure terms before relying on it for a workflow.
Visit NPPES NPI RegistryThe facts
| Medicare Care Compare | NPPES NPI Registry | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | medicare.gov | npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov |
| On healthcare provider directories | #7 of 16 | #5 of 16 |
Medicare Care Compare: what it does well
- Free public provider search and comparison tool.
- Lists a wide range of provider types.
- Clinician profiles can include ratings and performance information.
- Maps and filters help identify providers.
- Interface is optimized for mobile and tablet use.
What to know first
- Hospital data includes only Medicare-certified hospitals.
- Clinician performance information is updated annually.
- Provider data downloads are directed to a separate catalog.
NPPES NPI Registry: what it does well
- Free access through web search, API, and downloads.
- Search by provider, organization, taxonomy, or location.
- ZIP downloads include name, location, and endpoint references.
- Version 2 dissemination files are recommended.
What to know first
- Search results stop at the first 2,100 records.
- Hourly query limits apply.
- Active NPI records cannot be suppressed or opted out.
- CMS offers no technical support for dissemination files.
Alternatives to Medicare Care Compare Alternatives to NPPES NPI Registry The whole list