What does the NDC stand for?

The term NDC stands for National Drug Code. This is a unique identifier assigned to medications in the United States, which is used for various purposes including tracking and billing. The NDC is a structured number that consists of three segments, each representing different information about the drug. The first segment identifies the labeler (usually the manufacturer), the second identifies the product itself (specific formulation and strength), and the third segment identifies the package size and type.

Understanding the NDC is crucial for pharmacists and healthcare professionals as it ensures accurate dispensing, helps maintain inventory systems, and plays a role in insurance billing and claims processing. Recognizing that the NDC is an identifier rather than a classification system or a regulatory body further clarifies its purpose within pharmacy practice.