Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

In the context of health care, what is considered a unique identifier assigned to a patient?

1. Medical Record Number (MRN)

2. Patient Satisfaction Score

3. Health Insurance Policy Number

4. Nursing Care Plan Identifier

The correct answer is: Medical Record Number (MRN)

The Medical Record Number (MRN) is a unique identifier assigned to a patient, making it a crucial element in healthcare information management. This number is specifically designated to track a patient's medical history, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers over time. It provides a consistent way to identify patients across different departments and systems, facilitating accurate record-keeping and ensuring that healthcare professionals can access the correct information related to a particular individual. In contrast, patient satisfaction scores serve a different purpose, focusing on measuring patient perceptions regarding the quality of care received, rather than identifying the patient themselves. The health insurance policy number is related to a patient's insurance coverage, not their individual medical record. Similarly, a nursing care plan identifier pertains to the specific plan of care for a patient, but it does not serve as a unique identifier for the patient in the broader healthcare context. Thus, the MRN is the only choice that directly functions as a unique identifier in a patient's healthcare journey.