A code uniquely identifying a CONSULTANT.

The CONSULTANT CODE is derived from either the GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER for GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, or the GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER for GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS (where the dentist doesn't have a GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER).

For GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS working as CONSULTANTS, the GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONER's GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER should be used, see data item note for GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONER (SPECIFIED).

For GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS working as a:

• Hospital CONSULTANT, the GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER should be used, prefixed with "C"
• Dental CONSULTANT and:
  • does not have a GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER, the GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER should be used, prefixed with "CD" or
  • the GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER or GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER is not known, the default code should be used, see CONSULTANT CODE or Organisation Data Service Default Codes.
• Dental CONSULTANT:
  • Who does not have a GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER, the GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER should be used, prefixed with "CD".
  • Where the GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER or GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER is not known, the default code should be used, see CONSULTANT CODE or Organisation Data Service Default Codes.

Note: There are some overseas-qualified dentists who are not fully registered with the General Dental Council but enjoy what is called "Temporary Registration". These dentists are not currently in the scope of the Dental Consultant codes file published by the Organisation Data Service and will not be included.

Consultant Code format

For NHS PATIENTS treated overseas, the commissioner of the overseas treatment is responsible for assuring that the overseas doctor is provided with a GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER. In the case of overseas doctors, the default code C9999998 should only be used where no GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER has been assigned.

All Midwife Episodes are identified in the Admitted Patient Care Commissioning Data Set (CDS) and Hospital Episode Statistics by a pseudo MAIN SPECIALTY CODE, 560, see Main Specialty and Treatment Function Codes Table. A default code is used in the CONSULTANT CODE field to show that a MIDWIFE is the responsible professional. Note that the MIDWIFE's own code is not used.

All Nursing Episodes are identified in the Admitted Patient Commissioning Data Set and Hospital Episode Statistics by a pseudo MAIN SPECIALTY CODE, 950, see Main Specialty and Treatment Function Codes Table. A default code is used in the CONSULTANT CODE field to show that a NURSE is the responsible professional. Note that the NURSE's own Nursing and Midwifery Council code is not used.

All GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS and Dental Care Professionals who practise in the United Kingdom must be registered with the General Dental Council.

This includes, all Dentists, Dental Nurses, Dental Technicians, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Clinical Dental Technicians and Orthodontic Therapists

The General Dental Council Dentists Register lists all dentists registered with the General Dental Council.
The General Dental Council also maintains the General Dental Council Dental Care Professionals Register and the General Dental Council Specialist Lists in Distinctive Branches of Dentistry.

Note: GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBERS vary in length. Filling zeros are used between the prefix and GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER, where required, to maintain total length of eight characters.

For GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS working as a dental CONSULTANT who do not have a GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REFERENCE NUMBER, the GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER should be used to derive the CONSULTANT CODE, prefixed with "CD".

GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL REGISTRATION NUMBER FORMAT