Start your practice
A free, step-by-step path for new-grad SLPs opening a private practice. Work through it at your own pace — your progress is saved on this device.
1. Get your NPI (National Provider Identifier)
RequiredYour free 10-digit federal ID. As a sole proprietor you're an individual — get a Type 1 NPI and apply with your SSN (not an EIN, even if you have one). Incorporated (PLLC/LLC)? You'll get a Type 1 for yourself AND a Type 2 for the entity. Heads up: an NPI does NOT license you, credential you, or guarantee payment — it's just an identifier.
Apply at NPPES (free) →2. Choose a business structure + get an EIN
RequiredDecide sole proprietor vs LLC/PLLC (PLLC rules vary by state — see step 3). Get your EIN free from the IRS — the online application is instant but must be finished in one session (15-min timeout, no save). The IRS NEVER charges for an EIN; ignore paid third-party sites. Sole props who don't hire can often use their SSN, but an EIN keeps it off your personal number.
Get an EIN (free, IRS.gov) →3. Confirm your state license + ASHA CCC
Varies by stateState licensure and any business-structure mandates (e.g. whether a PLLC is required) differ by state — confirm with YOUR state board. ASHA maintains a state-by-state index. Your CCC-SLP plus your active state license are what actually let you practice.
ASHA state & territory index →4. Professional liability (malpractice) insurance
VerifyStrongly recommended before you see your first client. Coverage amounts and whether it's required vary by payer/setting — confirm what you actually need with a licensed insurance provider; don't rely on a rule of thumb.
⚠️ We don't have a verified spec for required limits — confirm with an insurer / your state board.
5. Credentialing — get on insurance panels
RecommendedIf you want to bill insurance (vs cash-pay only), payers credential you through CAQH ProView: you enter your professional data once, then authorize each health plan to access it. This is the slow, painful step — paneling can take weeks to months, so start it early.
CAQH ProView →6. Set up HIPAA compliance
VerifyA solo practice that bills electronically is a HIPAA-covered entity: you have Privacy Rule + Security Rule obligations (a risk analysis, Business Associate Agreements with any vendor that touches PHI, breach-notification readiness). The exact must-do list should come straight from HHS — don't wing it.
⚠️ Build your HIPAA steps from HHS.gov primary guidance — this is the authoritative source.
HHS HIPAA for professionals →7. Set up billing — superbills & claims
RecommendedCash-pay clients self-submit to their insurer using a SUPERBILL you provide. A valid superbill must include CPT codes (the services), ICD-10-CM codes (the diagnoses), and your provider info including your NPI and practice address. Billing insurance directly uses the CMS-1500 form, usually through a clearinghouse.
⚠️ ✅ Live now: the superbill generator auto-fills your NPI, practice address, and saved CPT/ICD-10 codes from your provider profile — then prints / saves as PDF.
Open the superbill generator →8. Telehealth across state lines
RecommendedThe ASLP-IC compact is now operational — it grants a 'privilege to practice' in other member states if you hold a valid home-state license and both states are members. This is the cleanest path to seeing clients in multiple states. Get your client's informed consent for telehealth.
ASLP-IC compact →
This guide is informational and not legal, tax, or compliance advice. Requirements vary by state and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked in each step and with your state licensure board.