definitions
adjudication
The electronic process of submitting a prescription claim to a third-party payer to determine reimbursement.
Chain pharmacy:
A retail pharmacy operating under a single corporate ownership with standardized business procedures across locations.
e-Prescribing
The digital transmission of prescription data directly between prescribers and pharmacies.
National Drug Code (NDC) number
A unique 10- or 11-digit identifier that specifies a drug's manufacturer, product formulation, and commercial packaging size.
Proprietary (brand or trade) name
The trademarked name registered by a pharmaceutical manufacturer to market a specific drug product.
Aphasia
A communication disorder affecting language areas of the brain, frequently seen in older adults or stroke survivors.
Dispense as Written (DAW) codes:
A set of numerical codes created by the NCPDP to indicate why a generic or brand-name drug was selected for reimbursement purposes.
Federal Legend
A required label statement indicating that a medication can legally be dispensed only with a valid prescription.
National Provider Identifier (NPI)
A unique 10-digit identification number assigned to healthcare providers in the United States.
Refill
Permission granted by a prescriber allowing a patient to receive additional supplies of a previously dispensed prescription.
Auxiliary label
A supplementary sticker applied to medication packaging to provide instructions regarding proper usage, administration, or storage.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number
A registration number assigned to authorized prescribers and dispensers allowing them to handle controlled substances.
Franchise
A business model where an individual operates a store using the brand name, trademark, and operating model of a parent company.
Nonproprietary (generic) name
The official, non-trademarked chemical or scientific name assigned to a drug substance
Repackage
The process of transferring a drug product from its original bulk container into smaller containers for dispensing.
Bank identification number (BIN)
A six-digit code on a prescription card used to route and process insurance claims.
Drug diversion
The illegal transfer of legally prescribed controlled substances to unauthorized individuals.
Help Desk
A customer support service offered by insurance entities to assist pharmacies with coverage and claim inquiries.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
A medicine that can be purchased directly by consumers without requiring a physician's prescription.
Signature
The directions printed on a prescription label explaining how the patient should correctly take the medication.
Behind-the-counter (BTC) medications
Non-prescription drugs kept behind the pharmacy counter that require consultation with a pharmacist prior to purchase.
Dysarthria
A motor speech disorder caused by physical impairment affecting the muscles used for speaking.
Inscription
The primary section of a prescription that details the specific medication name, dosage strength, and quantity.
Prescription
A legal order for a medication or device issued by a licensed healthcare professional.
Sole proprietorship
An unincorporated business structure owned and operated entirely by a single individual.