Controlled Substance Information (CSI) on Dispensed Prescriptions Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of this program?

To provide each New York State prescriber of controlled substances secure on-line access to his or her patients' recent controlled substance prescription history in an effort to provide optimal treatment to their patients.

2. My patient's name appears on the Drug Utilization Report. Does this mean my patient is a "Doctor Shopper"?

No. The Drug Utilization Report indicates that your patient has received controlled substance prescriptions from two or more practitioners and filled them at two or more pharmacies/dispensers in the previous calendar month. The Report is intended to provide you access to your patient's recent controlled substance prescription history for purposes of making treatment decisions.

3. Who can access the program?

Any New York State licensed prescriber who holds a valid DEA registration may access the program to determine if a patient under his or her treatment with a controlled substance may be under treatment with a controlled substance by another prescriber. Each prescriber must have an individual Health Commerce System Account (HCS) to gain access.

Important Note: Only the prescriber may use the Controlled Substance Information (CSI) on Dispensed Prescriptions program to search for his or her patient. Office staff and other personnel are not authorized to search for the prescriber's patient. The Department of Health will log all searches performed under the program.

4. How can I access the CSI program?

You need to have a current HCS account. Instructions on how to establish an account are available on the following website : https://hcsteamwork1.health.state.ny.us/pub/top.html

5. Which DEA number should I use if I hold multiple registration numbers?

The DEA number associated with your prescriptions is the number that the dispenser submitted to the Department. You may need to check each DEA number separately. If you are searching for a new patient, you may enter any valid DEA number issued to you including an 'X' DEA number.

6. I entered my patient's name and birth date into the application and the message "The patient information you requested does not appear in our records" was displayed. I've written controlled substance prescriptions for this patient, how can this be true?

Dispensers of controlled substances must report monthly to the Department of Health. Information will only be provided if it has been reported that your patient has received controlled substance prescriptions from 2 or more prescribers and filled them at 2 or more pharmacies/dispensers during the previous calendar month. At the time you conducted the search, the Department of Health may not have received dispensing information for your patient.

7. Can I share my patient's report with him or her?

Yes. Release of the information contained in the Drug Utilization Report is based upon the professional medical judgment of the prescriber.

8. Why does a report show my patient's name spelled differently? Why are two or more birth dates represented?

A Drug Utilization Report is compiled from the information submitted to the Department of Health by pharmacies regarding prescriptions dispensed for schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances, and accurately reflects the information as submitted by the pharmacies.

9. Can I get a listing of the pharmacies, dispensers, and other prescribers associated with a specific patient report?

No. Public Health Law does not authorize the release of this information.

10. Who do I contact if I didn't write the prescription shown under "Prescriptions Written by Me"?

Use the link on the online Confidential Drug Utilization Report page to report a prescription error. The link is located below your patient's prescription information.

11. Are refills and partial-filled prescriptions listed in the report?

Yes. Dispensers are required to report refills and partial-filled prescriptions to the Department of Health.

12. I did not prescribe the quantities listed in the report. What should I do?

Use the link on the online Confidential Drug Utilization Report page to report a prescription error. The link is located below your patient's prescription information.

Important Note: Each report is compiled from information submitted by pharmacies/dispensers and is based on the accuracy of their submission. The prescription could have been partially filled or it was a prescription for a liquid medication (quantity measured in milliliters).

13. I do not recognize the drug name listed as being prescribed by me. Is there a list of drugs by brand name?

Yes. Go to the "List of Controlled Substances" link at the top of the screen showing the Drug Utilization Report.

14. Who do I contact if I suspect drug diversion?

You should contact the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement office in your area.

  • Western Area Regional Office: (716) 847-4532
  • Rochester Office: (585) 423-8043
  • Albany/Central Office: (866) 811-7957 Opt. #4
  • Syracuse Office: (315) 477-8459
  • Metropolitan Area Regional Office: (212) 417-4103

15. My patient is claiming identity theft. How should I direct him or her?

Identity theft should be reported to the local police department.

16. How do I assist patients who want help for an addiction problem?

Treatment program information is available from the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services at www.oasas.state.ny.us or by calling 1-877-846-7369. You may also access the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website at www.buprenorphine.samhsa.gov to locate a participating opioid addiction physician in your area.

17. As a physician, how do I become eligible to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid addiction?

You must qualify for a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) waiver. You can obtain more information at the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) at 1-866-287-2728 or www.buprenorphine.samhsa.gov.

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