Which of the following describes the NDC number?

The National Drug Code (NDC) serves as a unique identifier for medications in the United States, and the correct choice highlights that it is an 11-digit number. This number is crucial in the healthcare system for numerous reasons, including drug identification, billing, and regulatory purposes.

The NDC is structured in a specific format: it consists of three segments that represent the labeler code, product code, and package code. The labeler code uniquely identifies the company that produces or distributes the drug, while the product code denotes the specific formulation (i.e., dosage form, strength, and formulation type), and the package code specifies the packaging size and type.

This 11-digit format is essential for the systematic categorization of drugs, making it easier for healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and insurers to retrieve and process information related to medications accurately. In contrast to this correct answer, the other options either misrepresent the number of digits or imply limitations on the use of the NDC that are not consistent with its application across both prescription and over-the-counter products.