Question

Larry Allen registers for outpatient care on March 30 and is assigned patient number 363258. He returns on December 10 and is assigned patient number 456898. Records for both encounters are filed in a folder labeled 456898. What type of numbering is being used?

Answer 1

Larry Allen was assigned a different patient number on his second visit, with both his records filed under the latest number, which indicates the use of serial-unit numbering.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of numbering being used in the scenario presented is serial-unit numbering. In this system, each time a patient visits the facility, they receive a new, unique patient number. However, any new records generated from subsequent visits are filed with the most recent number assigned to the patient. Despite Larry Allen receiving the patient number 363258 on March 30, upon his return on December 10 and assignment of the new patient number 456898, his previous records are consolidated and filed under the new number. This method ensures that all of a patient's records are easily accessible and located in one place, even though multiple numbers may have been assigned over time.