The chart number is a 20-digit field that can contain any printable characters.  The patient account number is really an internal number we use to keep everything relative to the patient grouped together.  The chart number is for external reference. The patient account number must be numeric whereas the chart number can be any combination of printable characters.

On the Edit Patient dialog the chart number will be automatically generated to match the account number. Once the user passes through the chart number field (with the mouse or tab) the chart number will no longer change for the patient at hand. It assumes you have validated the chart number as acceptable and not to be changed.

To help facilitate rapid, meaningful entry of a chart number we have implemented two very nice features: the chart # mask and the chart # prefix. Here’s how each works.

The Chart # Prefix is any set of printable characters that will be applied as a prefix to your Chart #.  The prefix is stored per database.  The default prefix is blank (empty). Once the field is entered it will be the default for each database unless a new value is entered. Each database can have it’s own prefix (and mask).

The Chart # Mask is a used to automatically generate a Chart # for a new patient. Once you have entered the Chart # field on the Edit Patient dialog it will no longer automatically change.  The Chart # Mask can is comprised of the letters FMLs and the number 0. Here’s what each means.

Wherever the letter F appears the next leftmost letter from the first name is used.  So FFF and the name JAMES would give JAM.

Using the letter M does the same for the middle name, L for the last name, and s for the SSN.

Finally a combination of 0’s can be used to 0 fill a number.  So 000 could create 001, or 002, 010, etc., MedLook will continue to increase the number portion of the mask until it finds a unique chart number or reaches all 9’s.

For illustration, if we use Harry S Truman and a mask of LLLFM000 we would have TRUHS001 (or 002, etc.). Or if we had a mask of FMLLL000 we might have HSTRU001.

You can do all sorts of crazy things with the mask but use it wisely to help you quickly and uniquely identify patients in a way meaningful to you.

Revision: 04/14/2010  ML 3.0.154

You can now use any number, not just 0, for the numeric mask.  This provides the capability of seeding the start number. For instance, 000 would start at 000.  Using 123 would start at 123.  Most people will want to use 000 or 001 (starting at 0 or 1).

The name mask has been enhanced.  If using HENRY T FORD with a mask of LLLLLL001 we would generate FORDHE001. The last name will be built using the last+first+mi and then using the mask we generate the name as shown.  The same holds for the first name with the name being constructed as first+mi+last.  Spaces are automatically removed.