NDC
NDC (National Drug Code) is a unique identification system for medications in the United States. Think of it like a Social Security number, but for drugs. Every medication has its own NDC number, which helps pharmacies, hospitals, and insurance companies track and identify drugs correctly. This system is important because it helps prevent medication errors and makes sure everyone is talking about the same exact drug. When looking at resumes or job descriptions, you'll often see NDC mentioned in roles that involve working with medication databases, insurance billing, or inventory management in pharmacies.
Examples in Resumes
Managed pharmacy inventory system using NDC codes to track medications
Processed insurance claims using NDC numbers for accurate billing
Implemented new NDC tracking system that improved accuracy by 98%
Typical job title: "Pharmacy Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Pharmacy Technicians
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where you notice frequent NDC-related billing errors?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss implementing quality control measures, training staff on proper NDC verification, creating standard operating procedures, and working with software systems to prevent common errors.
Q: Explain how you would manage NDC updates across multiple pharmacy locations.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of coordinating database updates, ensuring all locations receive timely updates, training staff on changes, and maintaining consistency across locations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What steps do you take to verify an NDC code is correct?
Expected Answer: Should explain checking manufacturer packaging, using database lookups, verifying against prescription details, and knowing when to alert pharmacist about discrepancies.
Q: How do you handle insurance rejections related to NDC numbers?
Expected Answer: Should discuss verifying the NDC against the database, checking for recent changes, contacting insurance companies, and knowing alternative NDCs for the same medication.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is an NDC number and what are its components?
Expected Answer: Should explain that NDC is a unique identifier for drugs, consists of three segments (manufacturer, product, and package codes), and is used for inventory and billing.
Q: Why is accurate NDC entry important in pharmacy work?
Expected Answer: Should mention patient safety, correct billing, inventory accuracy, and legal compliance as key reasons for accurate NDC entry.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic NDC number entry
- Understanding of pharmacy software
- Basic inventory management
- Simple insurance billing
Mid (1-3 years)
- Advanced NDC verification
- Insurance claim resolution
- Inventory control systems
- Training junior staff
Senior (3+ years)
- System-wide NDC management
- Quality control implementation
- Staff training program development
- Process improvement
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic NDC structure
- No experience with pharmacy software systems
- Lack of attention to detail in data entry
- No understanding of insurance billing processes
- Poor knowledge of medication names and classifications
Related Terms
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