Which items are commonly used as patient identifiers in medical records?

• A. Phone Number
• B. Full Name and Date of Birth
• C. Social Security Number
• D. Address

Answer: (B)

Reliable patient identification is essential to ensure the correct medical record is accessed and the right treatments and results are linked to the right person. The combination of a patient’s full name and date of birth is commonly used because it balances uniqueness with practicality. A person’s name alone can be shared by many individuals, and a date of birth helps distinguish those with the same name. Together, they provide a straightforward and widely accepted way to verify identity when pulling charts, ordering tests, or coordinating care. In contrast, a phone number can change and may be shared among people, making it less reliable as an identifier. An address can also be outdated or similar for different individuals. The Social Security Number is highly sensitive and carries privacy and security risks, so it is not used as a routine patient identifier in medical records.