Flat Structure vs. Relational Structure
Flat Structures
Flat format provides a very easy, quick way to load the NPPES data. However, flat format is also more difficult to work with when developing software.
Since there are multi-instance fields (credential and taxonomy) where the 2nd and greater instances are potentially blank, testing whether these values should be displayed is more difficult than in a relational structure where one or more separate rows are returned based on a query.
With all flat structures we provide a sample ANSI-SQL DDL script for creating the table which you can use at your option.
For updating, you can use the DML we provide or write your own scripts to process adds/updates/deletes.
Relational Structures
Our relational structure takes the NPPES data and separates into a multi-table structure for use with a relational database. These tables consist of code tables and data tables where there is multi-instance data for a provider.
Relational structures are easier to work with when developing software and are easier to maintain for updates to the data because they only require modifying the already loaded data with new, updated and deleted records.
If you select a relational format, we provide the DDL to create the tables and an implementation guide. For subscriptions, we provide several options for updating including:
- Delta Files (in CSV or pipe-delimited formats)
- DML - inserts and updates
Single Download vs. Subscription
Single Download
Our single download option provides quick access to the latest NPPES data set in a number of formats. You might prefer a single download if:
- You are doing a system prototype and need a quick load of the NPPES data
- You want to perform a one-time analysis of the data
- Any other reason where you will not need to update the data on an ongoing basis
Subscription
Our subscriptions provide ongoing updates of the NPPES data along with access to full datasets. Purchase a subscription if you need access to the most current data available.
License Comparison
| Update Service | E-mail Alerts | Standard License | Multi-Tenant License | Redistributable | |
| Single Download (Flat or Relational) |
Yes | ||||
| Update Service Subscription (Flat or Relational) |
Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Multi-Tenant Subscription | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Redistributable Subscription | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |