The guide also recommends the use of temporary patient identifiers (TPIs) controlled by individual organizations for emergency use and requires them to subsequently transfer all information to the correct UHID.
Mergeable: The internal data structure of the Sample UHID does not directly support merging duplicate or redundant identifiers.
Linkable: The Sample UHID has the ability to function as a data element and support the linkage of health records in both manual and automated environment.
Mappable: With the use of appropriate database system and software, the Sample UHID can be used to map currently existing healthcare identifiers.
Deployable: The Sample UHID is capable of implementation in a variety of technologies such as scanners, bar code readers, etc.
Usable: The Sample UHID is capable of implementation in a variety of technologies such as scanners, bar code readers, etc.
The ASTM guide and the proposed Sample UHID do not address the implementation issues and infrastructure requirements.
Retroactive: Has the capacity for retroactive assignment of the Sample UHID to every person in the United States Universal: Can support patient identification for the entire world population[1] Incremental Implementation: The Sample UHID can be implemented on an incremental basis.
With the development and use of appropriate procedures and establishment of the necessary bidirectional mapping, both the Sample UHID and existing patient identifiers can co-exist during the time of transition.
The establishment of both the administrative and technology infrastructures, the creation of a Trusted Authority, the design and development of computer software, hardware and communication networks, and the implementation security measures will require substantial investment of resources, time and effort.