Prescriber identification number qualifier code

SAS Name
PRSCRBR_ID_QLFYR_CD

This variable contains information regarding the type of prescriber identification number that was submitted on the original PDE data, as reported by the Part D sponsor on the PDE record submitted to CMS.  

Historically, this identifier could be an NPI, DEA identification number, UPIN, or state license number. After April 2013, it is an NPI.

Source: PDE

Comments

This variable may only be obtained if the investigator receives the prescriber identifier (PRSCRBR_ID), which is available 2014 forward.

This field is not validated and does not always reliably describe the identification numbers found in the prescriber identifier field (PRSCRBR_ID).

Investigators interested in linking the prescriber identifiers to cross-reference databases may find it helpful to know the type of variable that appears in this data field. The CCW methodology consists of examining the format and structure of the PRSCRBR_ID to determine whether the value appears to conform to the various types of ID.

The formats of these variables are:

  • NPI format – 10 numeric characters starting with ‘1’ or ‘2’
  • DEA format – 9 alpha-numeric characters with the first two being alpha and the last 7 being numeric
  • UPIN format – 6 alpha-numeric characters with the first being alpha and the remaining 5 being numeric (note: the UPIN is a legacy identifier and should not be seen often in the current PDEs) 
  • State license numbers – formats are highly variable  

A fair number of values in this data field that are not NPIs or DEAs may be invalid. CMS required prescribers to use an active and valid NPI on PDEs starting in 2013.

Code Code value
01 National Provider Identifier (NPI)
06 Unique Physician Identification Number (UPIN)
08 State license number
12 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number
Null/missing