Which term refers to a unique patient identifier that stays constant for the patient?

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Multiple Choice

Which term refers to a unique patient identifier that stays constant for the patient?

A permanent, unique identifier that links all of a patient’s records across encounters is the Medical Record Number, or MRN. It’s assigned when the patient first registers and remains the same within a health system, so every order, result, and image tied to that MRN points to the same person. This consistency is what lets imaging studies, reports, and other data be correctly associated over time. Remember, the MRN is usually specific to a facility or health system, so a patient may have different MRNs at different hospitals. The other terms don’t serve as patient identifiers.

A permanent, unique identifier that links all of a patient’s records across encounters is the Medical Record Number, or MRN. It’s assigned when the patient first registers and remains the same within a health system, so every order, result, and image tied to that MRN points to the same person. This consistency is what lets imaging studies, reports, and other data be correctly associated over time. Remember, the MRN is usually specific to a facility or health system, so a patient may have different MRNs at different hospitals. The other terms don’t serve as patient identifiers.

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