The addition of a check digit can significantly decrease the incidence of inaccurate recording of the individual identifier and lower administrative costs. The check digit algorithm should be made readily available to all sectors of the health care industry, including pharmacy. Temporary Identifiers Expedited assignment of individual identifiers will minimize the need for temporary identifiers. Although necessary to consider, every effort should be made to limit the need for temporary identifiers. Encryption of the Identifier Encryption of the identifier would minimize the privacy concerns associated with the use of the social security number.
Encryption increases the cost of the unique health identifier proposal.
The costs of a unique identifier will be lowered if current capabilities and systems are used. It is important that any project of this magnitude receive proper funding to assure quality and security. Any change to the current system will result in costs. Items impacting cost are the length of the unique identifier, the magnitude of change from the current business practices and the timeline for implementation. The PBM industry supports the adoption of a unique identifier for individuals.