Re: FAM-MED] Help requested on Unique Patient Identifiers

[James A Purvins]

The only way this would work would be if there was one MPI (Master Patient Index).   If that is the case, then fingerprinting would be the way to go.   Is that feasible? I believe there are finger print identification systems on the market.   Jim Purvins ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 6:00 AM Subject: FAM-MED] Help requested on Unique Patient Identifiers Does anyone on the board have some suggestions about developing and using UNIQUE Patient Identifier Numbers across practices owned and operated individually and between hospital and labs. Remember Babies don't often have Social Security Numbers to start. Foreign immigrants often don't have SS#s either. Everyone has a DOB.  But names change, addresses and phone numbers change. What are some good ways to stabilize this situation and allow a vast number of practices to identify a patient the same way? Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Alan Falkoff, M.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED]