What does the system primarily rely on for patient identification?

The system primarily relies on the legal name for patient identification because it provides a standardized and consistent reference point for patients within medical and administrative records. The legal name is typically used across various healthcare settings and documentation, ensuring that patient information is accurately associated with the correct individual. It allows for the integration of data across different systems, facilitating effective communication and coordination among healthcare providers.

While insurance information can provide useful context about a patient, it can vary significantly between plans and may not uniquely identify a patient. Biometric data, though becoming more prevalent in healthcare, is not yet universally used for identification due to privacy concerns and resource requirements. The social security number, while unique to an individual, is sensitive information that is not typically used for patient identification in many healthcare settings to protect privacy. Therefore, the legal name remains the most reliable and widely accepted method for ensuring accurate patient identification in healthcare systems.