ndc number
ndc_nbrDefinition
ISO-11179 Definition
The FDA-assigned 10- or 11-digit National Drug Code stored as ndc_nbr in pharmacy claims databases, PBM adjudication systems, and EHR medication dispensing records. Data engineers must account for 10-digit to 11-digit normalization using segment padding rules when joining NCPDP claim data to drug reference files such as First Databank or Medi-Span for accurate drug identification and formulary analytics.
Standard Abbreviation
ndc_nbr
Category
Why This Term Matters
Pharmacy data is among the most regulated and codified data in healthcare, governing controlled substances, PBM adjudication, and Medicare Part D reporting. A data engineer fluent in pharmacy terminology builds pipelines that correctly parse NDC codes, validate DEA numbers, and detect drug utilization anomalies before they reach compliance teams. Errors in pharmacy field definitions frequently trigger PBM contract disputes and CMS audit findings.
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