N.D.C. Number Format

To prepare for the pharmacy tech test, you'll want to know about the NDC number format. Drugs have their generic and brand names, which they're known by for the purpose of prescribing and filling. However, for administrative purposes, drugs are assigned a unique NDC number. NDC is most often what's used for billing claims, inventory management, ordering, recalls, etc..

Standard NDC Format

The most important information to know about the NDC number format is what each string of numbers represents. Most drug products will have a 10 digit NDC number, and a different amount of digits in each string. But for now, let's just focus on what the first, second and third number strings represent.

3 Segment Strings

First String of numbers is known as the Manufacturer code or Labeler code.

This represents who manufactures, repacks or distributes a drug product.

Second String of numbers is known as the Product code.

This identifies the actual drug product, including the strength, dosage form and formulation specific to the firm that manufactures it.

Third String of numbers is known as the Packaging code.

This mostly identifies the number of product units (i.e. - tablets)which are included in the package. It may also reveal the type of packaging

NDC Code Conversion
for Insurance Claim Billing

For electronic claims billing, drug products that have been issued the 10 digit NDC number format must be converted to the 11 digit format with the standardized string structure of 5-4-2. The conversion is fairly simple, and requires determining which of the three digit strings is less than the standardized 5-4-2. Then, add a leading zero to the beginning of that string. The chart below shows a brief overview.

Converting NDC numbers from 10 digits to 11 digits by adding leading zeros where appropriate.
10 digit NDC format	NDC structure	11 digit NDC format	11 digit structure	10 digit example	11 digit conversion
4-4-2	XXXX-XXXX-XX	5-4-2	0XXXX-XXXX-XX	0310-0275-39	00310-0275-39
5-3-2	XXXXX-XXX-XX	5-4-2	XXXXX-0XXX-XX	66336-566-05	66336-0566-05
5-4-1	XXXXX-XXXX-X	5-4-2	XXXXX-XXXX-0X	63629-2734-1	63629-2734-01

IMPORTANT

For the pharmacy tech certification test, you'll want to know what the 3 number strings of the NDC number format represent, as well as how to convert 10-digit NDC numbers into 11-digit for claims data entry.

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N.D.C. Number Format

Standard NDC Format

3 Segment Strings

NDC Code Conversionfor Insurance Claim Billing

Converting NDC numbers from 10 digits to 11 digits

NDC Code Conversion
for Insurance Claim Billing