What is the main purpose of the National Drug Code (NDC)?

The main purpose of the National Drug Code (NDC) is to identify medications uniquely. Each NDC number is a unique identifier for prescription and over-the-counter medications in the United States and serves several crucial functions. It provides specific information about the drug, including the manufacturer, the medication's formulation, and the packaging. This unique identification is essential for pharmacies, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies to ensure accurate medication dispensing, tracking, and reporting.

The ability to uniquely identify medications helps prevent medication errors, facilitates inventory management in pharmacies, and streamlines the process of insurance billing and reimbursement. This coding system plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and promoting effective communication within the healthcare system.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the primary purpose of the NDC. Regulating medication prices, classifying medications by their effects, and prescribing medications electronically do not fall within the scope of what the NDC is intended to achieve.