Identifiers & Abbreviations
A 10- or 11-digit number identifying the drug manufacturer, product, and package size.
NDC (National Drug Code
The Rx symbol at the heading of a prescription, and the overall written order issued by a provider for medication.
Prescription
The electronic submission of a prescription claim to a third-party payer for reimbursement.
Adjudication
Prescriber authorization allowing a pharmacy to replenish a previously filled medication.
Refills
Medications safe for self-selection that do not require a prescription order.
OTC (over-the-counter) medication
A 6-digit routing number found on a drug card used to direct electronic insurance claims.
BIN (Bank Identification Number)
The part of a prescription containing the medication name, dosage form, strength, and quantity.
Inscription
A 24/7 insurance support line pharmacists call to resolve claim rejections and coverage issues.
Help Desk
A relationship of trust and common goal-setting between a healthcare worker and a patient.
Therapeutic Alliance
Non-prescription drugs stored behind the pharmacy counter requiring pharmacist involvement before sale.
BTC (Behind-the-Counter)
A unique 10-digit identifier assigned to healthcare providers by CMS.
NPI (National Provider Identifier)
Specific directions provided on a prescription telling the pharmacist how to prepare or compound the medication.
Subscription
Transferring medication from a large bulk container into smaller individual packages for dispensing.
Repackaging
A language disorder resulting from brain damage or stroke that hinders speech comprehension or expression.
Aphasia
The common or generic chemical name assigned to a medication that is not trademarked.
Nonproprietary Name
An alphanumeric ID code required for prescribers authorized to order controlled substances.
DEA Number
Directions printed on a label instructing the patient how to take the medication, often abbreviated as Sig.
Signatura
A corporate group of pharmacies sharing standardized management versus a business owned entirely by one individual.
Chain Pharmacy
A speech disorder caused by impaired muscle control over the speech mechanism.
Dysarthria
The trademarked brand name under which a drug manufacturer markets a drug.
Proprietary Name
Numerical codes that instruct the pharmacy whether generic substitution is allowed by the prescriber or patient.
DAW (Dispense as Written) Codes
The mandatory warning "Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription," alongside extra warning labels added to bottles.
Federal Legend and Auxiliary Labels
A business model where an independent pharmacy operates under a larger company's name and business format for a fee.
Franchise
A structured, ongoing review of prescribing, dispensing, and drug usage to improve safety and therapy outcomes.
DUE (Drug Utilization Evaluation)
Direct computer-to-computer electronic transfer of prescription data from prescribers to pharmacies.
e-Prescribing