What is a master patient index (MPI)?

What is a master patient index (MPI)?

• A. A unique identifier system to correctly match patient records across multiple systems
• B. A patient consent management tool
• C. A billing reconciliation system for patient accounts
• D. A module that tracks medication inventories

Answer: (A)

A master patient index is a centralized way to tie together a patient’s records from different systems by creating a single, persistent identity for that person. It stores and uses patient demographics and matching rules to ensure records from multiple sources—like EHRs, labs, imaging, and external health information exchanges—are linked to the same individual. This prevents duplicates and misidentification, supporting accurate chart retrieval and ongoing data integrity across the health system. It’s fundamentally about correctly identifying and reconciling patient records across systems, not about obtaining consent, handling billing, or tracking medications and inventories.

A master patient index is a centralized way to tie together a patient’s records from different systems by creating a single, persistent identity for that person. It stores and uses patient demographics and matching rules to ensure records from multiple sources—like EHRs, labs, imaging, and external health information exchanges—are linked to the same individual. This prevents duplicates and misidentification, supporting accurate chart retrieval and ongoing data integrity across the health system. It’s fundamentally about correctly identifying and reconciling patient records across systems, not about obtaining consent, handling billing, or tracking medications and inventories.