IF condition for character data

[fpascal]

data inp.inp_claims_lds2013_2016;
set inp.inp_claimsj_lds2013 inp.inp_claimsj_lds2014 inp.inp_claimsj_lds2015 inp.inp_claimsk_lds2016;
if prvdr_num < '0879';
run;

prvdr_num is a character variable.  I need values 0001-0879 and 1300-1399.  I only used 0879 above.  needless to say the IF condition did not work properly

[fpascal · Accepted solution]

provider_num = substr(prvdr_num,3,4);
if (('0001'<=provider_num<='0899')) or ('1300'<=provider_num<='1399');