c. Register Number Log (see figure 1-2). Each patient entering a hospital must
have an identification number assigned. A register number log is established to provide a
convenient, and accurate method of identification. Register numbers begin with number 1
for the first patient ever admitted and continue consecutively thereafter without regard to
whether the patient is military or nonmilitary. When a medical treatment facility (MTF) is
assigned automatic data processing (ADP) equipment for inpatient accounting, register
numbers are assigned in accordance with the manual for ADP procedures. After checking
the medical indication for admission (by the medical or dental officer), identification, and
eligibility, the admitting clerk in the Admission and Disposition Section, Patient Accounting
Branch, Patient Administration Division assigns a register number. To obtain a register
number, the clerk enters the patient's name, grade, social security number, organization,
type of case, and nursing unit in the register number log next to the first unused number in
the log. This register number is assigned to the patient; no other patient will ever receive
this number at that medical facility. Each time a patient is admitted, he receives a different
register number. At the end of the day (2400), a diagonal line is drawn across the register
and the next date is entered.
REGISTER
NAME
RANK
SSN
ORGANIZATION
DIS/ INJ
WARD
NUMBER
LAST
FIRST
MIDDLE INITIAL
173624
173625
173626
173627
173628
173629
173930
Figure 1-2. Sample register number log.
MD0752
1-10