Self-Query Basics
The Self-Query service searches to see if the information that you provided in the Self-Query order form matches information in reports previously submitted to the NPDB. The Self-Query response shows the results of that search. Your response may show that no matching information was found in the NPDB, or it may show that information about medical malpractice payments, adverse licensure or privileges actions, or judgments and convictions was found, in which case full report(s) will be provided. Digitally certified Self-Queries are $3.00 per order with an additional $13.00 charge for each mailed paper copy.
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How to get a Self-Query response/report
- Select Start a Self-Query Order.
- Select Sign In With ID.me.
- Sign in to your ID.me account if you have one. Otherwise, select "Create an ID.me account."
- After you sign in to ID.me or create your ID.me account, you will return to the NPDB to start your order.
- Complete the online Self-Query order form. Be ready to provide:
- Identifying information such as name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- State health care license information (if you are licensed)
- Credit or debit card information for the $3.00 fee for the digitally certified response, and an additional $13.00 charge for each mailed paper copy.
Note: Mailed paper copies can only be sent to a U.S. address, including U.S. territories and military addresses.
- Verify your identity. This can be done online as part of your order or by completing a paper form and having it notarized. You will receive full instructions as you complete your order.
- Wait for your response. Once your identity is verified, the NPDB will process your order. If you verified your identity online, your electronic results are usually available within minutes. You will receive an email when your response is available online. If you order a paper copy of your response, it will be sent by US First Class Mail.
After completing a Self-Query, we provide you with the digitally certified Self-Query response. A mailed paper copy is not automatically included with your Self-Query response. You must pay an additional fee for each mailed paper copy, which must be ordered at the time the Self-Query is submitted. If you order paper copies of your Self-Query response, you will receive them in an envelope from the NPDB.
We encourage all organizations to accept digitally certified Self-Query responses in place of mailed paper responses. If an organization (e.g., a state licensing board) or employer requests a sealed paper copy of your Self-Query response, do not open the envelope. Include the unopened envelope with the correspondence you send to the organization or employer, such as a state license application. The NPDB will not send Self-Query responses directly to a third party.
The NPDB receives and discloses reports on health care practitioners submitted by authorized organizations as mandated by federal law. These laws determine the types of actions that can or must be reported to the NPDB. A detailed list of reportable actions is available in the NPDB Guidebook.
Self-Query for the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank
The NPDB and Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB) merged into a single Data Bank in May 2013. All NPDB and HIPDB reports are now consolidated within the NPDB. Your Self-Query response incorporates both HIPDB and NPDB information. A separate HIPDB response is no longer available.