True or False: A patient who has been seen twice at your facility should have two records in the patient master file.

The assertion that a patient who has been seen twice at a facility should have two records in the patient master file is false. In healthcare systems, a patient master file is designed to maintain a single, comprehensive record for each patient, regardless of the number of visits they make to the facility.

This approach ensures that all relevant information, including medical history, treatments, allergies, and visit details, is consolidated in one place, promoting continuity of care and preventing data fragmentation. Having multiple records for the same patient could lead to confusion, inconsistencies, and may hinder effective treatment planning.

The focus is on creating a unified patient profile that encompasses all encounters with the facility, fostering better management, accessibility, and sharing of patient data among healthcare providers. This practice is a fundamental aspect of efficient healthcare record-keeping and supports improved patient outcomes.