October 22, 2004

PACE update: Red card account number to change

As part of the PACE (Patient Administrative Cycle Enhancement) project, staff who use the patient red cards will see an account number on the bottom of the card beginning Nov. 1. The red card is used in patient care units and other procedural areas primarily for documentation and patient identification. The account number, preceded by an "ACCT. NO" prefix, is used for administrative purposes to link related services and does not replace the patient's medical record number.

"The account number on the red card makes it easier to track patient visits in the system," says Bessie Manley, RN, nurse manager for the Pre-Admission Testing Area. "This change does not affect our current processes, however. Red card users should be reminded that cards can only be used for one visit and must be appropriately disposed of when the patient is discharged."

For more information, send e-mail to paceproject@partners.org.