DEA Numbers: Everything You Need to Know
What is a DEA number?
A DEA number is a unique identifier assigned by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to healthcare providers authorized to advise controlled substances. The DEA registration number allows providers to write controlled substance prescriptions and also helps the DEA track provider prescribing activity and monitor for potential fraud and abuse. To obtain a DEA number, healthcare providers must register with the DEA and complete an application process. Once approved, providers will be issued a DEA number, which they can use when writing prescriptions for controlled substances.
Enjoying This Topic? Check Out More!
Constellation4 is a Healthcare technology company providing innovative and scalable solutions for leading Health Insurance Payers and Providers. As a Salesforce Partner, our products are built on top of the Salesforce Health Cloud, which is the world’s #1 CRM for Healthcare. Explore our solutions and news below.
The format and construction of a DEA number
The DEA registration numbers have a specific format — two letters, six numbers, and one check digit — that verifies the number’s validity and reveals the prescriber. Here’s the formula:
A code in the first letter identifies the sort of registrant. Hospitals, physicians or practitioners, researchers, nurse practitioners, and manufacturers are among them.
The second letter is the first letter of the prescriber’s last name.
Six digits follow the two letters.
The seventh digit is the last in a formula that is as follows:
Add digits 1, 3, 5
Add digits 2, 4, 6, then multiply by 2
This final number must match the last digit of the DEA number for it to be valid.
The last digit of the seven-digit DEA number is a check digit, which is used to verify the accuracy of the number. The check digit is not part of the registrant’s information.
DEA numbers are generally located on the upper right-hand side of a business license certificate, on the back of a prescription form, or in correspondence from the DEA. They are also required to be displayed outside any door or office in which controlled substances are kept.
Why do healthcare providers need a DEA number?
Healthcare providers need a DEA number for several reasons:
1.
It ensures that only those healthcare providers who are appropriately trained and qualified can prescribe legal controlled substances. This helps to protect patients from potential harm and ensures that controlled substances are only prescribed for legitimate medical purposes.
2.
The DEA number allows the DEA to track provider prescribing activity. This information can identify potential fraud and abuse and help ensure that providers are prescribing controlled substances appropriately.
3.
A DEA number is required to write prescriptions for controlled substances. Without a DEA number, healthcare providers could not prescribe these medications.
Obtaining a DEA number is an essential step for healthcare providers who wish to prescribe controlled substances. By ensuring that only those who are properly trained and qualified can prescribe these medications, the DEA helps protect patients and ensure that controlled substances are used appropriately.
How to obtain a DEA number?
Healthcare providers who wish to obtain a DEA number must first register with the DEA. To do this, they must complete an application and submit it to the DEA. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the provider will be issued a DEA number. This number must be included on all prescriptions for controlled substances.
What documentation is required to obtain a DEA number?
This application for a DEA number must include the following information:
The provider’s name, address, and telephone number
The provider’s date of birth
The provider’s social security number
The provider’s state of licensure
Any other DEA numbers that the provider may have
The types of controlled substances that the provider intends to prescribe
The reasons why the provider needs a DEA number
If a hospital or other institution employs the provider, the application must also include the following information:
The name and address of the hospital or institution
The name and title of the individual who will be responsible for overseeing the provider’s prescribing activity
The types of controlled substances that the institution allows the provider to prescribe
After the application has been reviewed and approved, the provider will be issued a DEA number. This number must be included on all prescriptions for controlled substances.
What are the benefits of having a DEA number?
Having a DEA number allows practitioners to prescribe controlled substances to patients, which is essential to pain management and other medical treatment programs. In some cases, a DEA number may also be required in order to bill insurance companies for services rendered.
The main benefit of having a DEA number is that it allows practitioners to provide necessary care to their patients. Without a DEA number, many practitioners would be unable to treat pain effectively or prescribe certain medications that their patients need.
Another benefit of having a DEA number is that it may be required to bill insurance companies. Many insurance companies will not reimburse practitioners for services rendered if they do not have a DEA number. This can be a significant financial burden for practitioners who do not have a DEA number.
Overall, the benefits of having a DEA number are that it allows practitioners to provide necessary care to their patients and bill insurance companies for services rendered. This can significantly affect the quality of care that patients receive.
Are there any drawbacks to having a DEA number?
There are a few potential drawbacks to having a DEA number. First, it is important to note that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) keeps records of all controlled substance transactions that practitioners with a DEA number conduct. This means that the DEA has a record of every patient a practitioner prescribed controlled substances to, as well as the quantity and type of controlled substances prescribed. While this information is confidential, the DEA can access these records if they have reason to believe that a practitioner is prescribing controlled substances inappropriately.
Some patients may be reluctant to see a practitioner with a DEA number because they are concerned about the confidentiality of their medical records.
However, these drawbacks are outweighed by the benefits of having a DEA number.
How can I check if my provider has a valid DEA number?
Suppose you need to verify that your provider has an authentic DEA registration number. In that case, you can visit the DEA’s website and search for provider identification, such as their name or registration number. You can also contact the DEA directly at 1-800-882-9539 to speak to a customer service representative.
Can I use the same DEA number in different states?
No, practitioners must be registered with the DEA in each state where they intend to prescribe controlled substances. Practitioners who are only registered in one state will not be able to prescribe controlled substances in another state.
What to do if I no longer need a DEA number?
If you are no longer prescribing controlled substances, you can contact the DEA and request that your registration be canceled. Once your DEA number has been canceled, you will no longer have a valid DEA registration.
I think my provider may be prescribing controlled substances without a DEA number. What should I do?
If you think that your provider may be prescribing controlled substances without a DEA number, you should contact the DEA directly at 1-800-882-9539. You can also file a complaint with the DEA online.
What is the Difference Between DEA and NPI Numbers?
The DEA number is a unique identifier assigned to a licensed medical practitioner authorized to prescribe or administer controlled substances. The NPI number, on the other hand, is a unique identifier assigned to health care providers in the United States to identify them in electronic transactions.
So, what’s the difference between DEA and NPI (National Provider Identifier) numbers? The main difference between DEA and NPI numbers is that the former is required for prescribing controlled substances while the latter is not. In addition, DEA numbers are only issued to practitioners with valid medical licenses, while NPI numbers can be obtained by any health care provider in the US. All providers with a DEA Number will have an NPI, although not all providers with an NPI will have a DEA number.
Resources for further information on DEA numbers.
You can find additional resources on DEA numbers on the DEA’s website and through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Overall, the benefits of having a DEA number are that it allows practitioners to provide necessary care to their patients and bill insurance companies for services rendered. This can significantly affect the quality of care that patients receive. However, there are some potential drawbacks to having a DEA number, such as the fact that the DEA keeps records of all controlled substance transactions. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a DEA number is up to the individual practitioner.
If you have any questions regarding how Constellation4 can assist your company, please email us at info@constellation4.com or contact us on our online form.
