Terminal Digit Filing System

Introduction

• Terminal digit filing is a system for paper record filing.
• It uses a six-digit or longer patient number.
• Terminal digit numbers are hyphenated and read from right to left.

Structure of Terminal Digit Number

• Three parts:
  • Tertiary digits
  • Secondary digits
  • Primary digits
• Example: For the number 72248:
  • 7 is the tertiary digit
  • 22 is the secondary digit
  • 48 is the primary digit
• Reading pattern: Right to left (e.g., 48227)

Filing Process

• Start filing with the primary digit and move left.
• Patient records are typically shown on a shelf using this method.
• Numbers should be arranged in ascending order based on primary, secondary, and tertiary digits.

Practice Examples

• Example sequence: Lowest primary digit comes first (e.g., 86, then 87, 88, 89).
• When primary digits are the same:
  • Check secondary digits.
  • If secondary digits are the same, check tertiary digits.

Key Points

• Terminal numbers have three main digits.
• Read numbers starting with the primary digit.

Additional Guidance

• Review the assigned reading from Green and Johns textbooks.
• Watch this presentation as needed.
• Complete your lab assignment to demonstrate proficiency.
• Post questions in the student lounge for help.

Conclusion

Understand the importance and process of terminal digit filing for effective medical record management.