Lesson 8 - Numbering Systems Questions & Answers

What are the four common types of numbering systems? - ANSWERSSerial, Unit, Serial-Unit, and Alphabetical. Serial numbering system? - ANSWERSUnique number for EACH encounter; Numbers are issued in strict numerical order; EX. patient that was admitted three different times will have three different serial numbers. Unit numbering system? - ANSWERSMost common system used in large healthcare facilities; Patient receives a unique MRN at first encounter and the number is used for each visit/encounter. Serial-Unit numbering system? - ANSWERSMRN are assigned in a serial manner; For each new encounter, the old record is brought forward and merged into the new record and the new encounter MRN becomes the current MRN. Alphabetical "numbering" system? - ANSWERSUsed in small facilities and clinical setting; Doesn't require an MPI to locate a record; Files started using last name first, then first name, then middle initial; If you have a patient with the same last and first name, then you file by DOB. Unit-Family numbering system? - ANSWERSEach HOUSEHOLD is assigned a unique MRN; Each family member is assigned a two-digit modifier that serves as a suffix to the patient number and identifies which member of the family is being treated; Is used by insurance companies to determine who to pay a claim for. Pseudo-numbering system? - ANSWERSUsed for someone needing to remain anonymous within the healthcare facility (celebrity, someone who is involved in domestic abuse, etc.); Also used if the patient doesn't have a SSN. The primary guide to locating a record in a numerical filing system? - ANSWERSMaster Patient Index (MPI). The term used to describe multiple health record numbers? - ANSWERSDuplicates. Betty Bricker was seen on June 3, 2013 at Sayles hospital and was assigned MRN 75-15-35. She returned for another visit in September that same year and was assigned MRN 79-46-13. What type of numbering system is being used at Sayles hospital? - ANSWERSSerial. Betty Lou Whoo was admitted to OTC Community Hospital on March 3, 2001 and was assigned patient number 56-98-14. She came back to the hospital on August 24, 2001 and was assigned the same patient number 56-98-14. What type of numbering system is being used at OTC Community Hospital? - ANSWERSUnit. Mary Schnering was admitted to Community Hospital on 01/03/11 and assigned a MRN of 54-47-53. The patient was discharged and returned on 02/14/11 and was admitted and assigned MRN 54-88-42. Both records were eventually filed under 54-88-42. What type of numbering/filing system is being used at Community Hospital? - ANSWERSSerial-Unit. Mary Adams and her three children receive care from Brookside Clinic where the health information department retrieves one record that contains patient information on Mary and her three children. What numbering system is being used? - ANSWERSUnit-Family numbering. Perry Parks receives care at the local hospital and is assign a patient number based on the letters of his name and his date of birth. What numbering system is being used? - ANSWERSUnit-social security numbering (pseudo-numbering). William Wood is admitted for surgery on February 2 and assigned patient number 567890. On March 5 he returns for outpatient testing and is assigned patient number 678900. Records for the two encounters are contained in separate folders in two different locations in the file area. What numbering system is being used? - ANSWERSSerial. Annie Smith is brought into the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident and assigned patient number 123456. She is discharged home, and three days later she returns for further evaluation. She is reassigned patient number 123456. What numbering system is being used? - ANSWERSUnit