What is a key feature of a master patient index (MPI)?

A master patient index (MPI) is primarily a centralized database that maintains essential patient information, particularly demographics and health record numbers. This functionality is crucial for healthcare organizations as it helps ensure that each patient is uniquely identifiable within the system. The MPI streamlines the process of retrieving patient records, reduces duplicate records, and enhances data integrity across the healthcare continuum.

Maintaining patient demographics such as names, addresses, dates of birth, and health record numbers ensures that each patient can be accurately linked to their medical history and treatment plans. This enhances coordination of care, improves patient safety, and facilitates effective communication among healthcare providers.

Other options, while related to healthcare operations, do not accurately describe the primary purpose of the MPI. Communication between physicians, billing and insurance tracking, and generating patient care plans are functions of different systems and processes within healthcare management and not the primary role of a master patient index.