If a DEA number belongs to a physician, what letter does it start with?

A DEA number assigned to a physician starts with the letter B. This designation is specifically used for physicians who are registered to prescribe controlled substances.

The format of a DEA number consists of two letters followed by seven digits. The first letter indicates the type of registrant: B is designated for a physician, while A is typically used for other types of practitioners, such as hospitals or clinics. The other letters, such as C, denote different categories of registrants, such as mid-level practitioners, while F is used for manufacturing and distributing entities.

Understanding the significance of these letters is crucial for identifying the legitimacy of prescriptions and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. It helps differentiate the prescriptive authority of different healthcare providers in practice.