Question

What demographic information needs to be included in the master patient index? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The Master Patient Index (MPI) is a core component of health information management systems, and it typically includes key demographic information to accurately identify and manage patient records. This information often consists of:

1. Name: Full legal name of the patient to uniquely identify them within the system.

2. Date of Birth: Essential for verifying the patient's identity and ensuring accurate record matching.

3. Gender: Recorded to distinguish between patients with similar names and birthdates.

4. Address: Current address details are crucial for mailing important healthcare information and ensuring contactability.

5. Phone Number: Contact numbers help healthcare providers communicate with patients for appointments, test results, and other essential matters.

6. Social Security Number (SSN): In some systems, the SSN is used as a unique identifier. However, due to privacy concerns, this practice is becoming less common.

7. Medical Record Number (MRN): A unique identifier assigned to each patient's record, aiding in quick and accurate retrieval of health information.

8. Insurance Information: Details about the patient's insurance coverage are crucial for billing and coordinating care.

9. Emergency Contact: Information about a person to contact in case of emergencies provides an additional layer of patient safety.

Answer 2

Answer: patient name, date of birth, gender, social security number, address, phone number, insurance information

Step-by-step explanation:

to determine the likelihood of a match.