What is a Master Patient Index (MPI)?

A Master Patient Index (MPI) is a crucial component in healthcare information management. It serves as a comprehensive list of patients along with their key identifiers, such as demographics, medical history, and unique identifiers assigned to each patient within a healthcare organization. This central repository ensures that patient records are accurately linked to the correct individuals, preventing errors in patient identification and enhancing the continuity of care.

The MPI plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of patient data across various departments and locations within a healthcare system. By centralizing patient information, it allows for easier access to complete and up-to-date patient records, facilitating better care coordination among healthcare providers.

In contrast, other options do not accurately depict what an MPI is. A list of insurance policies refers to financial documentation rather than patient identification. A record of medical procedures pertains to treatment history rather than demographic data. Lastly, a document storing patient feedback focuses on patient satisfaction rather than their identifiers and records, which is the primary purpose of the MPI.