Introduction

A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number is a unique identifier assigned to healthcare professionals who prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances. The DEA number is used by law enforcement and pharmacies to track the prescribing and distribution of these substances, ensuring they don’t end up in the wrong hands. In this article, we will outline the steps involved in calculating a DEA number, as well as provide some common reasons why you might need to do so.

Step 1: Understand the DEA Number Format

A DEA number consists of nine alphanumeric characters. It is structured as follows:

– First character: A letter representing the type of prescriber (e.g., “A” for practitioner, “B” for hospital, “M” for mid-level practitioner).

– Second character: The practitioner’s first initial of their last name.

– The remaining seven characters: A series of numbers, where the seventh character acts as a “check digit” that validates the entire sequence.

Example: AB1234563

Step 2: Break Down the Number Sequence

For this step, you’ll need to focus on the numeric portion of the DEA number (characters 3 through 9). Start by separating these seven digits into two groups:

– Group 1: Add together the 1st, 3rd, and 5th digits.

– Group 2: Add together the 2nd, 4th, and 6th digits. Then multiply this sum by two.

Example:

DEA Number: AB1234563

Group 1 = (1+3+5) = 9

Group 2 = (2+4+6) x2 = 24

Step 3: Calculate the Check Digit

To determine if your DEA number is valid, you’ll need to calculate the check digit based on Groups 1 and 2:

1. Add the sums of Group 1 and Group 2.

2. Check the last digit of the resulting sum; this should be identical to the ninth and final character in your DEA number.

Example:

Sum of Groups: 9 (Group 1) + 24 (Group 2) = 33

Check Digit: 3

DEA Number: AB1234563 (the “3” at the end confirms this number as valid)

Common Reasons for Calculating a DEA Number

There are a few reasons why you might need to calculate a DEA number:

1. Verify a healthcare professional’s DEA number for accuracy, ensuring that prescriptions are filled by licensed professionals only.

2. Determine if a DEA number is fraudulent, which could indicate illegal activities such as drug diversion or forged prescriptions.

3. Ensure that your organization remains compliant with the Controlled Substances Act by verifying all employees who handle these substances have valid DEA numbers.

Conclusion

The ability to calculate a DEA number is essential for healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and any organization that handles controlled substances. By understanding the structure of DEA numbers and performing quick calculations, you can ensure proper oversight and maintain compliance in the handling and distribution of these often-dangerous drugs.