What initial letter is assigned to all addiction treatment physicians' DEA numbers?

In the context of addiction treatment, physicians who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances for the treatment of opioid dependence are assigned a DEA number that begins with the letter 'X.' This special designation is given to practitioners who hold a specific waiver under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000, enabling them to prescribe medications such as buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

The letter 'X' distinguishes these healthcare providers from other practitioners who may prescribe controlled substances, as it indicates their specific role and training in addiction treatment. It's important for pharmacists and healthcare providers to recognize this designation because it governs the legal authority of such physicians to treat patients with certain medications aimed at managing addiction.

Other initial letters, such as 'A,' 'B,' or 'C,' are used for different categories of practitioners who are licensed to prescribe but do not specifically denote those authorized for addiction treatment. Thus, understanding this differentiation is crucial for compliance and appropriate patient care in the field of addiction medicine.