Identifying Legitimate Suboxone Prescribers

How can you confirm if a prescriber is authorized to write prescriptions for Suboxone?

a) DEA number
b) NPI number
c) State license number
d) Uncertain

Answer:

The identifier that confirms a prescriber can write prescriptions for Suboxone is a DEA number with a special 'X' designation.

The identifier that lets you know a prescriber is legit to write for Suboxone is a) DEA number. A prescriber must have a special registration number from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe Suboxone, which is used to treat opioid dependence. This number is different from the standard DEA registration number that healthcare providers receive. It includes an additional identification letter (often 'X') indicating the prescriber meets the requirements to prescribe buprenorphine-containing products like Suboxone.

The NPI (National Provider Identifier) number and state license number are also important identifiers for healthcare providers, but they do not specifically indicate the authority to prescribe Suboxone. The NPI is used for administrative purposes, such as billing, and the state license number indicates that the provider is licensed to practice in that state. However, the DEA number with the specific 'X' designation is what confirms the prescribing authority for Suboxone.