Medical Education Number

Medical Education Number (ME Number)

The Medical Education Number (ME Number) is an 11-digit identifier assigned to every physician member of the American Medical Association (AMA) in the United States. It is used for identification and recording basic physician information and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

Assignment and Structure

The ME Number is assigned when a student begins medical school and can remain unchanged throughout their career. The number is structured as follows:

• First 5 digits: Represent the Medical School Code, identifying the medical school.
• Digits 6 and 7: Indicate the expected graduation year.
• Final 4 digits: Uniquely assigned to the physician.

Usage and Accessibility

The ME Number is prominently displayed on the physician's AMA membership card, serving as an easy reference for the physician and various administrative processes. Given that every physician in the United States is assigned an ME Number, even those who are not current members of the AMA can obtain their ME Number by contacting the American Medical Association directly.

Function and Importance

The ME Number functions as a unique identifying key field within the AMA Physician Masterfile. This Masterfile is a comprehensive database that maintains records for every physician practicing in the United States. The unique nature of the ME Number allows for precise and efficient retrieval of a physician's records, ensuring accurate tracking of their professional information and CME credits.

In summary, the ME Number is a crucial element in the administrative and educational framework for physicians in the United States, providing a reliable and consistent method of identification and record-keeping from medical school through the entirety of a physician's career.