Do you want to understand how to look up a DEA number? This article will provide you with a thorough understanding of DEA numbers, why you might need to look one up, and the steps to do so. Let’s dive in!
What Are DEA Numbers?
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issues unique identifiers called “DEA numbers” to prescribers of legal controlled substances in the U.S. These numbers are in use to track and authenticate transactions involving controlled substances, ensuring that they are in use and prescribed appropriately. Without a DEA number, a prescriber cannot legally write prescriptions for controlled substances.
A DEA number consists of two letters, six numbers, and one check digit. The first letter indicates the type of registrant, such as a practitioner, a manufacturer, or an importer. The second letter is the first letter of the registrant’s last name, or “9” for registrants using a business address instead of name. The check digit is calculated from the other six numbers using a specific formula.
For example, a DEA number for a practitioner whose last name starts with “S” might look like “CS1234563”. A DEA number for a distributor using a business address might look like “F91234563”.
Types Of DEA Numbers.
Here is a list of the most common types of DEA numbers:
- C: Practitioner. This type of DEA number is for health care providers who can prescribe controlled substances, such as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, etc.
- M: Mid-Level Practitioner. This type of DEA number is for health care providers who can prescribe controlled substances under the supervision of a practitioner, such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, etc.
- B: Hospital/Clinic. This type of DEA number is for institutions that provide health care services and may dispense controlled substances to patients.
- F: Distributor. This type of DEA number is for entities that distribute controlled substances to other registrants, such as wholesalers, pharmacies, etc.
- E: Manufacturer. This type of DEA number is assigned to entities that produce controlled substances, such as pharmaceutical companies, laboratories, etc.
- X: Suboxone/Subutex Prescribing Program. This type of DEA number is assigned to practitioners who are authorized to prescribe buprenorphine products for the treatment of opioid dependence.
- P, R, S, T, U: Narcotic Treatment Program. These types of DEA numbers are assigned to programs that provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, such as methadone clinics, buprenorphine clinics, etc.
Why Would You Need to Look Up DEA Numbers?
There are several reasons why you might need to look up a DEA number:
- To verify a healthcare professional’s DEA number for accuracy.
- To ensure that prescriptions are filled by licensed professionals only.
- To determine if a DEA number is fraudulent, which could indicate illegal activities such as drug diversion or forged prescriptions.
- To track controlled substance transactions.
- To validate the registration numbers issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
- To check the status of an application.
How to Look Up DEA Numbers.
To look up a DEA number, you can follow these steps:
- Contact the applicant’s office and ask for this information.
- If this isn’t possible, go to the DEA database.
- Create a user account at DEANumber.com and choose a weekly, monthly, or quarterly subscription.
- Conduct an online DEA search.
Understanding the Results.
When you look up a DEA number, you can get information such as the practitioner’s name, address, and registration type. You can also find out the expiration date of the registration. To understand the results from looking up a DEA number, you need to know how to interpret the format and meaning of the DEA number, as I explained in my previous message. You can also use a website that matches DEA numbers with NPI numbers, which are unique identifiers for health care providers in the U.S.
Legal and Ethical Considerations.
Looking up a DEA number is a sensitive and serious matter that involves legal and ethical considerations. Here are some of the main points to keep in mind:
- Privacy and confidentiality: A DEA number contains personal and professional information about the registrant, such as their name, type, and location. This information is protected by federal and state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Therefore, anyone who accesses, uses, or discloses a DEA number must respect the privacy and confidentiality of the registrant and their patients.
- Legitimate purpose: A DEA number is intended to be used for authenticating and tracking prescriptions for controlled substances, and for preventing fraud and abuse. It is not meant to be used as a general prescriber identification number or for other purposes. Anyone who looks up a DEA number must have a legitimate purpose, such as verifying the validity and authorization of the prescriber, checking the status of their application or certificate, or reporting any suspicious or illegal activity.
- Responsibility and accountability: A DEA number is a valuable and powerful tool that can affect the health and safety of the public. Anyone who looks up a DEA number must be responsible and accountable for their actions and decisions. They must follow the rules and regulations of the DEA and other authorities, and they must not misuse, abuse, or share the DEA number with unauthorized parties. They must also keep records and documentation of their queries and results and report any errors or discrepancies to the DEA.
The Key Takeaway.
A DEA number is a unique identifier assigned to healthcare providers, allowing them to prescribe controlled substances. There are various reasons to look up a DEA number so, it’s important to remember the legal and ethical considerations when using DEA numbers.
FAQs On How To Look Up A DEA Number.
What Does DEA In DEA Numbers Stand For?
DEA in DEA numbers stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, which is a United States federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice. The DEA is responsible for combating illicit drug trafficking and distribution within the U.S. and abroad.
What are some penalties for violating DEA regulations?
Violating DEA regulations can lead to:
- Civil fines: Paying money to the DEA for breaking the rules.
- Criminal prosecution: Going to jail, losing property, and losing DEA registration.
- Administrative actions: Getting warnings, plans, suspension, revocation, or denial of DEA registration.
How do I contact the DEA?
- For general questions, you can call the DEA Headquarters at 571-362-8487 or report unlawful activities at 1-877-792-2873.
- For media or press inquiries, you can email the Office of Public Affairs at DEA.Public.Affairs@dea.gov.
- For drug prevention and education, you can call the Office of Public Affairs, Community Outreach Section at 202-307-7936 or email them at community.outreach@dea.gov.
- For registration and medical practitioners, you can call the Medical Practitioners Drug Registrant Information at 800-882-9539 or email them at DEA.Registration.Help@dea.gov.
- For DEA policy questions, you can email the Liaison and Policy Section at ODLL@dea.gov or DPY@dea.gov.
- For reporting employee misconduct, you can email misconduct@dea.gov.
- For contacting a specific DEA division, you can find their contact information on the DEA website.
- For contacting the DEA on social media, you can follow their official accounts on Twitter.
How do I apply for a DEA registration number?
To apply for a DEA registration number, you need to:
- Choose the right form for your type of registrant, such as Form 224 for practitioners or Form 225 for manufacturers.
- Fill out and submit the form online or by mail, with your personal and professional information and controlled substances activities.
- Pay the registration fee online or by mail, which varies by the type and duration of your registration.
- Wait for the DEA to process your application and issue your DEA registration number. This may take up to 4-6 weeks.
How Can I Look Up a DEA Number?
To look up a DEA number, you can:
- Contact the applicant’s office and ask for this information.
- If this isn’t possible, go to the DEA database.
- Create a user account at DEANumber.com and choose a weekly, monthly, or quarterly subscription.
- Conduct an online DEA search.
