Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

The primary function of a Master Patient Index (MPI) is to:

1. a facilitate chart retrieval.

2. b facilitate patient discharge.

3. c identify patients.

4. d identify records for conversion to electronic media.

The correct answer is: c identify patients.

The Master Patient Index (MPI) is primarily designed to provide a consolidated list of all patients who have received care from a health organization. Its main function is to accurately identify patients using unique identifiers, which may include demographic information, medical record numbers, and other relevant details. This unique identification helps to ensure that patient records can be accurately attributed to the correct individual, thereby reducing the risk of errors in patient care and ensuring continuity of services. By effectively identifying patients, the MPI serves as a foundational component of health information systems, as it allows for the linking of multiple medical records across different facilities or care providers. This is particularly important in environments where patients may seek treatment from various locations within a healthcare network. The clarity in identification ultimately supports clinical decision-making, billing processes, and the overall management of patient care. In contrast, the other options focus on specific operational aspects of health information management but do not encapsulate the primary function of the MPI. Chart retrieval, patient discharge, and record conversion are secondary processes that rely on the existence of a robust and accurate MPI to function effectively. Therefore, the emphasis on identifying patients captures the essential purpose of the Master Patient Index.