Chapter 15 Managing Medical Records

active file

files that you use frequently.active file

alphabetic filing system

files are arranged in alphabetic order (last name, first name, middle initial).

closed file

files of patients who have died, have moved away, or for some other reason no longer come to the office.

compactible file

are kept on rolling shelves that slide along permanent tracks in the floor. When not in use, these files can be stored close together, even one on top of another to conserve space. Can be moved manually or automatically with the touch of a button.

cross-referenced

filed in two or more places, with each place noted in each file.

file guide

are heavy cardboard or plastic inserts to separate the contents so individual files can be found easily.

inactive file

files that you use infrequently or not at all.

indexing

another term for naming a file.

indexing rules

used as guidelines for the sequencing of files based on current business practice. They define a consistent method for the ordering of filed materials.

lateral file

feature doors that flip up and pullout drawers. Depending on the length and width of the drawer, files can be arranged in 2-3 rows alphabetically or numerically, with separators placed between each row. It required more wall space but do not extend as far

middle digit

similar to terminal digit filing but instead uses the middle group of numbers as the primary index, followed by the left-hand number and then the right-hand one.

numeric filing system

organizes files by numbers instead of by names.

records management system

the way patient records are created, filed, and maintained.

retention schedule

specifies how long to keep different types of patient records in the office after files have become inactive or closed.

sequential order

one after another in a pattern, or sequence, that can be predicted.

terminal digit

a small group of two or three numbers at the end of a patient number that is used as an identifying unit in a filing system.

tickler file

date-ordered reminder file.

unit

indexing rules define each part of a person's name or title.

vertical file

features pullout drawers that usually contain a metal frame or bar equipped to handle letter-size or legal size documents. Hanging file folders are hung on this frame, with identifying names facing out. May have two, three, four, or six drawers.

File guides

Divide small sections of alphabet

Outguides

Checkout System

File sorters

Temporary storage to save time in filling

Alphabetic filling- indexing Units

1.last name 2.First name 3.middle name 4.title

Ex of who gets Filed first

Hank Williams III

Ex of who gets Filed second

Hank Williams Jr.

Ex of who gets Filed third

Hank Williams Sr.

Numeric filing

Extra & Greater confidentiality

Indexing rules-Punctuation Eliminated

O'Mally turns to OMally

Names with prefixes

De la Hoya turns to Delahoya

Color coding

ex but cross blue shield can be color coded blue.

Tickler file

A "reminder" like a to do list (31days in a yr+12 mon in a yr=43 folders in total)

Steps in filing

1.inspect2.index3.code-->a release mark saying it's ready to file OR might be highlighted4.sort5.store or file

Cross reference

Place a dummy file anywhere you think someone might look for the file

Hyphenated names

Maria Soto-Ramirez {you would look at Soto not Ramirez}

Recent name change

Someone that got married & changed last name.

Locating misplaced files

check black hole , or if misplaced somewhere close

File places w/same name

1.city 2.State 3.street 4.number

Maintain records-Purge

Get rid of

Active

Current;have seen in set time; seen in the last 3 years

Inactive

Haven't seen in set time; haven't seen in the last 3 years

Closed

Deceased or moved away

Steps in filing places w/same name 1.

City

Steps in filing places w/same name 2.

State

Steps in filing places w/same name 3.

Street

Steps in filing places w/same name 4.

Number

Steps in filing 1.

Inspect

Steps in filing 2.

Index

Steps in filing 3.

Code

Steps in filing 4.

Sort

Steps in filing 5.

Store or file

Order of alphabetic filing 1.

Last name

Order of alphabetic filing 2.

First name

Order of alphabetic filing 3.

Middle name

Order of alphabetic filing 4.

Title