What is the primary function of a DEA number for a physician?

The primary function of a DEA number for a physician is to enable the physician to write prescriptions for controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issues this unique identifier to practitioners, allowing them to legally prescribe medications that are classified as controlled substances, which are regulated due to their potential for abuse or dependence.

Without a valid DEA number, a physician cannot prescribe these drugs, which include various pain medications, stimulants, and sedatives. This system helps to ensure that controlled substances are distributed responsibly and tracked for regulatory purposes. Other activities listed, such as accessing patient medical history, performing physical examinations, or billing insurance, do not require a DEA number and fall under different regulatory or procedural guidelines in healthcare practice.