Top taxonomies for oncology claims-based specialists

Unfortunately for those marketing or selling to healthcare providers, some of the information providers supply when applying for a National Provider Identifier (NPI), such as a medical specialty or taxonomy, can become outdated over their years of practice. The claims-based specialty designations Definitive Healthcare produces in our PhysicianView product allow you to target healthcare providers based on their specific areas of focus with a greater degree of accuracy and precision.

What is a taxonomy code?

A taxonomy code is a 10-digit unique code that designates a provider’s classification and specialization. Providers use this code when they apply for an NPI. Since an NPI is required for a provider to bill payors, it is sought early in their career. Taxonomy-based designations are used frequently to determine a provider’s specialty.

Medical taxonomy codes are self-reported by providers and may not accurately reflect the procedures performed or patients diagnosed. For example, as a provider continues to train, specialize, or even branch into other focus areas, their taxonomy code may not change to reflect that journey.

What is a claims-based specialty?

Claims-based specialty designations are a form of healthcare commercial intelligence available in our PhysicianView product.

Claims-based specialty data look at providers’ care practice patterns to provide a more accurate representation of their specialty based on the type of patients they see and the procedures they perform. This designation can differ from the traditional taxonomy code associated with a physician’s NPI. . And for those that sell and market to healthcare providers, the data-driven input can help them sell more effectively or optimize their marketing campaigns.

For example, if a biopharma company wants to know more about doctors who treat cancer patients, they could miss providers that are billing for cancer-based procedures or diagnoses that have a non-oncology taxonomy-based specialty.

To highlight the value of claims-based specialty data, this Healthcare Insight reviews the recorded taxonomies associated with oncology claims-based specialists.

How many oncology claims-based specialists have a different primary taxonomy?

We track nearly 27,000 healthcare provider profiles with an oncology claims-based specialty, indicating that it is the provider’s primary specialty based on the procedures and patients they see. Of those providers, 2,140 providers have a taxonomy-based specialty outside of oncology or hematology. Here are the other specialties that top the list.