Yes - that is why I though I would create a table, do a code using  _n_ and count, and then merge the new names each month with the names and id's in the table and look for those names that are new and therefore do not have an ID then I think it may be easier for me to manually give the new names their numbers starting where it was left off.  So if the last number SAS gave was 252, I will just add the first new name and 253 as the identifier etc.  My skill does not yet extend to coding SAS to do it. Am I at least in the ballpark? ... View more

FYI - the reason they want the unique IDs is to keep the provider's name confidential.  So NPI won't work for me as it is freely available to anyone.  Thanks for the suggestion though. ... View more

Unfortunately I am currently working for a non-profit city agency - we have 11 facilities and every one of them has their own software/systems, etc.  We are just getting everyone on the same system.  So when I say I do not currently have access to the identifiers and IT will not be able to help me for months, you can understand why my posts have a ring of desperation. Thanks again. ... View more

1st - love the Blimey!! 2nd - so much info to process - thanks for sharing the knowledge.  Will look into all and I am sure I will be asking for further help. ... View more

They really don't care and have left it up to us - truth be told, I am not sure why they need this.  That being said, I am thinking a table would be the way to go as I should be able to call it up month to month, right?  Then merge with the new data every month to see if there are new names with unassigned ID.  Does that sound right to you?  Someone suggested FSEdit.  Do you think that is the way to go?  OMG I hate being a newbie. ... View more