To develop a numbering system that is subject to change will require the industry to develop linkages or valuable clinical services will be lost. Net result would be to increase health care costs. The current identifier field allows for 18 alphanumeric bytes although few within the industry use 18 bytes. Significant costs throughout the pharmacy and health care industry would be incurred to support a change in the electronic standard. A delay in the assignment and distribution of the individual identifier would delay or deny the individual's access to the prescription drug benefit and could have a disastrous effect on every link of the pharmacy industry.
Conversions are costly.
The assignment of duplicate identifiers would compromise the PBM industry's ability to delivery administrative and clinical services. One advantage to the security number is that it is currently in use. It is compatible with the current electronic pharmacy standard. When compared to other options, it is concise. Its uniqueness can be addressed through a re-verification process.