Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

How many names are drugs generally known by?

1. 1

2. 3

3. 5

4. 7

The correct answer is: 3

Drugs are generally known by three primary names: the chemical name, the generic name, and the brand name. The chemical name is a complex name that describes the drug's molecular composition and structure. It’s used mainly in scientific contexts. The generic name is the official name of the drug and is usually simpler and less complex than the chemical name. It is the name used when prescribing medication, and it's recognized universally. The brand name, on the other hand, is the name given by the pharmaceutical company that produces the drug, often trademarked for marketing and branding purposes. Thus, the answer indicating that drugs are generally known by three names—chemical, generic, and brand—captures the full spectrum of how drugs are identified and referred to in different contexts within healthcare and prescribing environments.