When resolving duplicates across sites, how is the canonical patient record established?

• A. The record with the most recent MRN.
• B. A canonical record established by robust patient matching, linking duplicates, and merging charts under data stewardship.
• C. A record created by the receiving system without linkage.
• D. A new record generated from patient self-report.

Answer: (B)

Across sites, the canonical patient record is created through robust patient matching that identifies duplicates, linking those duplicates, and merging charts under data stewardship to produce a single authoritative record. This master patient index approach ensures a consistent patient identity and complete history shared across EpicCare Everywhere, with governance and an audit trail for how the record was formed. Relying on the most recent MRN isn’t reliable across systems, because MRNs are local identifiers and don’t establish cross-site identity. Creating a record only in the receiving system without linkage would leave separate, conflicting records. Generating a new record from patient self-report bypasses existing data and would reintroduce duplicates rather than consolidate them.