Final answer:
In larger medical practices, alphabetical filing systems are often used to organize patient records by name to avoid confusion and mix-ups. Numeric filing systems are not commonly used for patient records. Alphabetical filing systems are the preferred method for efficient and accurate record management in medical practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
In larger medical practices that may have more patients with the same surname, alphabetical filing systems are often used to organize records. By sorting patient records alphabetically by their last name, it helps to avoid confusion and mix-ups. For example, if two patients with the last name Smith visit the practice, their records can be easily differentiated within the filing system.
Another option mentioned in the question, numeric filing systems, is not commonly used to organize patient records by name, as numbers may not have a direct correlation to patient names. It is more commonly used for organizing records based on other criteria.
Overall, the preferred method for organizing records in medical practices is through alphabetical filing systems to ensure efficient and accurate record management.