The federal Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) license renewal occurs every three years on the anniversary
of the original license date. The federal DEA license is required
to prescribe any narcotic. This license fee is $210.
Some of the errors observed by our
credentialing staff in assisting physicians with license renewal
include forgetting to sign the application or check, neglecting
to include the check with the application, writing the check
for the wrong amount, or sending the application to an incorrect
address. On the other hand, the licensing agencies are also
less than perfect. For example, the state cashes checks for
narcotics licenses upon receipt, but the actual processing
of the renewal may take another two to three weeks after the
check clears. Then, the new license may not be received by
the physician for an additional two to three weeks.
Before you seal the envelope and mail your renewal, take a
few moments to review the form and your check for accuracy.
Make two copies of the renewal form and the check: one for
yourself, and one for C & M. Send the C & M copy to
our office for our files. Also be sure to have the check number
recorded in a handy place in case the check needs to be traced
through your bank.
Applications which are incomplete,
unsigned, or submitted with incorrect payments will be delayed,
sometimes resulting in expired licenses. An expired license
will result in the suspension of medical and/or narcotic prescribing
privileges until the license has been renewed.
As a courtesy to our physicians, C
& M's credentialing department tracks the renewal of each
license beginning 60 days prior to expiration until the renewed
license is received. A reminder letter is sent by the credentialing
department 60 days prior to expiration explaining that the
renewal is approaching and asking the physician to process
the renewal paperwork promptly. Once the 45-day mark passes,
letters are sent out every two weeks until the point of three
to four weeks away from renewal. At that point, the credentialing
department phones the physician to remind him or her to send
in the paperwork and mail a copy of the renewal to our office.
In addition, our credentialing staff monitors the progress
of all renewal applications by speaking with all three licensing
agencies a minimum of three times weekly.
Many C & M physicians utilize our
credentialing department's services to process their license
renewal applications. The physician need only sign the form
and send it to our office with a check issued in the proper
amount to the agency, and our staff will complete the application,
make copies, and submit it.
After the application has been sent
in, verify with your bank that the check has cleared within
a few weeks. Then call the agency to determine the status
of the license. If your application is not submitted immediately
after receipt, it is best to send it to the agency by overnight
mail or express service. Be sure to send the form and check
to the agency's physical address rather than a post office
box.
If you have questions concerning the
renewal of a license, our credentialing staff is happy to
assist you. If you need to contact one of the licensing agencies
directly, their phone numbers are listed below.
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners:
State Medical License (504) 524-6763
Louisiana Department of Health and
Hospitals: State Narcotics License (225) 342-9404
Drug Enforcement Administration: Federal
DEA License 1-800-882-9539 or (504) 840-1063.
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