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What Do BIN, PCN, RX, & RXGRP Mean on an Insurance Card?

Last updated 03/20/2024 by

Emily Africa

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
BIN, PCN, and GRP numbers are important identification numbers concerning your health insurance. The BIN number identifies your insurance provider; the PCN number is a secondary number for routing claims; and the GRP number identifies the employer through which you have the insurance. Health care providers and pharmacies use these numbers to file insurance claims when you receive medications or services.
You can’t put a number on your health. You can, however, find several numbers on your health insurance card. The United States health-care system can be complicated and confusing. We’re here to help you navigate the details. Keep reading to learn about all the identification numbers on your health insurance card.

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Important information on your insurance card

When you visit a physician’s office or fill a prescription, you’ll likely have to provide your insurance card or insurance information. Usually, the medical office or pharmacy will use the necessary information on the card to file a claim and process your service or prescription purchase. There are certain cases in which you might need to provide specific information yourself. Every insurance card can be different.

Insurance card commonalities

Though cards differ, you’ll typically find some or all of the following information on your health insurance card:
  • Member name
  • Member ID number
  • Insurance company name
  • Rx BIN number
  • Rx PCN number
  • Group number
  • Insurance provider address and phone number
  • Primary care provider information
  • Care type
  • Co-pay
Pro tip — Take a photo of the front and back of your insurance card. Keep the photos in a safe place on your phone. You should bring your original insurance card with you to every doctor’s appointment or pharmacy visit. However, if you happen to need the information and don’t have your card, those photos could come in handy.

Rx defined

Rx stands for “medical prescriptions.” It’s a common abbreviation and symbol used in the medical field, including on your health insurance card. You may have an Rx symbol on your insurance card. This simply lets you and your pharmacist know that your insurance plan includes prescription coverage for part or all of your prescription costs. Some health insurance cards display the amount in dollars that the health insurance provider will pay for prescriptions.

BIN defined

BIN stands for “bank identification number.” The term originated in the banking industry. In the context of health insurance, though, it has nothing to do with a bank. Instead, it identifies your insurance provider. Every insurance company has a unique six-digit BIN number connected to a nationwide health insurance database.
BIN numbers are commonly noted as Rx BIN on health insurance cards. Rx means medical prescription. An Rx BIN number identifies the insurance provider who covers your prescription costs or a portion thereof. However, it also often applies to other medical expenses.

BIN number uses

Pharmacists and medical office administrators use the BIN number to determine which insurance company to send a claim to. When inputted into their database, the BIN number will return the corresponding health insurance provider.
Then, the pharmacist or doctor’s office will send that provider a claim to get reimbursed for your medical services. You’re then responsible for whatever portion of the cost your insurance doesn’t cover.

Why is the BIN important on my insurance card?

The BIN number is one of the most important pieces of information on an insurance card. It simplifies the insurance billing process whenever you visit a doctor, get treatment, or pick up a prescription. BIN numbers help keep patients, doctors, and insurance providers on the same page and protected from fraud.

BIN number terminology

There are a few different ways “BIN” is written. Don’t worry. They all mean the same thing when it comes to your health insurance. Other terms and abbreviations for BIN numbers include the following:
  • Rx BIN
  • RxBIN
  • RXBIN
  • Rx Bin
  • Bank identification number

How will you cover what your health insurance does not?

If the co-pays or deductibles that go along with your health insurance strain your liquidity, what you can do? One option may be a personal loan.

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PCN defined

PCN stands for “processor control number.” Processor control numbers (PCNs) are specific to each patient and insurance plan. It is a secondary identification number that health care providers and insurance providers use to route claims. A PCN number has three main purposes:
  1. Specifies which processor will receive and handle your claims
  2. Helps medical providers determine if their prescription or service is covered under your plan.
  3. Determines how your claim will be paid

PCN number uses

Usually, you don’t have to provide your PCN directly to your doctor’s office or pharmacy. They’ll be able to retrieve it automatically using your GRP. They’ll use it to determine your medical coverage eligibility for their care or prescriptions and file your claims.

Why is the PCN important on my insurance card?

While you’ll rarely need to manually enter your PCN number, it’s important to the entire insurance claim process. It becomes especially necessary when you visit a doctor outside of your network, transfer prescriptions between pharmacies, use a mail-order pharmacy, or use private insurance. Luckily, it should be right there on your card whenever you need it.

PCN number terminology

There are a few different ways PCN numbers are written. Like with BIN numbers, they all mean the same thing when it comes to your health insurance. The following are other ways a PCN is referred to:
  • Rx PCN
  • RxPCN
  • RXPCN
  • RX PCN
  • Processor control number

RXGRP defined

GRP stands for “group number.” In other words, it is your employer identification number. Health insurance providers assign a GRP number to each employer plan. If you have health insurance through your employer, you’re subject to their insurance package. Different employers may offer different packages with different prescription drug coverage, deductibles, and co-pays.

RXGRP number uses

Your RxGRP number is used for several purposes. It should be on your insurance card right next to the BIN and PCN numbers. The following are some of the scenarios in which doctor’s offices or pharmacies will need your GRP number:
  • Emergency room visits
  • Using an out-of-network provider
  • Scheduling an appointment or procedure with a physician
  • Filling prescriptions
  • Filing a reimbursement claim

Why is the RXGRP important on my insurance card?

Your group number identifies your health insurance coverage offerings under your specific group with your employer. It’s one of the most commonly used numbers when filing a health insurance claim. You may need to enter or write your GRP number on your own. Now, if you ever have to provide your group number, you know what it means and where to find it.

GRP number terminology

There are a few different ways GRP numbers are written. Don’t worry. They all mean the same thing when it comes to your health insurance. If you see any of the following terms, you know it’s referring to your GRP number:
  • Rx GRP
  • RxGRP
  • RXGRP
  • RX GRP
  • Rx Grp
  • Group ID
  • Group number

FAQ

What is the RxBIN on my insurance card?

The RxBIN is your bank identification number. In reality, it identifies your insurance provider. Every insurance company has a unique BIN number. Yours will be shown on your insurance card.

How do you use BIN numbers?

Use your BIN number to identify your insurance provider. Medical offices and pharmacies might ask you for this number to process claims. You can usually find this number on your insurance card.

What is the Rx Group number?

Your Rx group number is the code that identifies your employer. It indicates your employer’s insurance plan.

What does RxPCN mean?

Your RxPCN is your health insurance processor control number. The number identifies your coverages and how your claims will be processed.

How do I find my CVS Rx Bin number?

Find our Rx Bin number on your health insurance card. It’s usually somewhere on the bottom half of the card. Look for RxBIN, RXBIN, BIN, or similar terms.

Key takeaways

  • Rx stands for “prescription”; BIN stands for “bank identification number”; PCN stands for “processor control number”; and GRP stands for “group number.”
  • The Rx symbol indicates if your insurance includes prescription coverage. A BIN number identifies your insurance company. The PCN number helps health care providers and insurance providers effectively route claims. A GRP number identifies the employer health plan with which your insurance is associated.
  • Bring your insurance card to all of your doctor’s office and pharmacy visits. The administrators will need information on the card to file a claim with your insurance and pay for your medications, appointments, or procedures.

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