Anonymous Patients

Thu, 23 May 2019 13:12:12 GMT

If you are using the Epic "anonymous patient" process (state names and colors), how quickly do you revise the registration to the patient's correct demographic info. In our legacy system, that was done 3 days after admission. Now we are waiting until after discharge. Is that the norm?

Thu, 23 May 2019 18:48:55 GMT

After we determine the correct identity, we work with the admitting area to make the change as quickly as possible. We may delay the change if a patient is in testing or is not stable.

Fri, 24 May 2019 15:04:12 GMT

For our anonymous patients in the ED once we identify the patient we check with clinical to make sure it is safe to update the name and if it is we will do so. Our major concern is delay of care with the blood bank or trauma surgery so many times the patient's name will not be updated until they are admitted, at which time our inpatient registration staff works with the floor to determine a safe time to update information.

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:12:18 GMT

At Children's, we use Doe, City Name (first name) and a set of two letters for middle name. In this instance, we keep the temporary identity in place for 12 hours or until there is no anticipated impact to Blood Bank or the OR. After that timeframe, we reach out to the clinical team to obtain approval to change the name.

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 21:08:49 GMT

Can anyone send me their policy on when they do a name change for John/Jane Doe? I am looking to understand when it is safe to do a name change.

Mon, 6 Apr 2020 20:41:24 GMT

I would also be interested in a policy or process related to updating demographics.

Thanks!

Wed, 5 Aug 2020 13:43:11 GMT

Just checking back to see if anyone else would weigh in on when you are updating demographics - patient identifiers -? Epic is stating that the majority of academic facilities do not update until post discharge. This seems unreasonable since name and DOB are the main identifiers for the clinical staff and is what is on the arm band. I would really love to hear from other Epic users on when you are updating your anonymous patients.
Thank you!

Thu, 9 Dec 2021 15:00:08 GMT

We correct the issue as soon as it is discovered.