Identifier Comparison
SCAN Member ID vs. Group ID: What's the Difference?
Why entering your Member ID in a Group field—or vice versa—causes registration errors and how to provide the right identifier every time.
Executive Comparison
Your Member ID is your personal 9–11 digit subscriber account number that proves you have active SCAN insurance. A Group ID in the context of individual Medicare HMO plans refers to your Medical Group (IPA), which coordinates doctor authorizations. They are never interchangeable.
SCAN Member ID (Subscriber #)
Your Individual Policy Number
- • Format: Typically 9–11 characters (e.g.,
012345678-01). - • Purpose: Used by all medical facilities to verify active enrollment, copay schedules, and deductibles.
- • Location on Card: Upper left section on front of your ID card.
- • Who asks for it: Every doctor, hospital, lab, and customer service call.
Medical Group ID / IPA
Your Physician Network Code
- • Format: Network Name + 3–6 digit IPA code (e.g.,
Heritage / 0418). - • Purpose: Routes specialist referrals, prior authorizations, and clinical approvals.
- • Location on Card: Under Primary Care Physician (PCP) on card front.
- • Who asks for it: Specialists, outpatient surgery centers, and MRI facilities.
How to Handle Registration Portals
When filling out online check-in (Epic MyChart, AthenaHealth, or Phreesia):
- In the Member ID / Subscriber ID box: Enter your exact Member ID from your card.
- In the Group ID * box: If required with a red asterisk, enter
NONEorN/A. See our Group ID Number Guide for detailed steps. - In the Medical Group / IPA dropdown: Select your Medical Group name if available.