What Is a Medical Record Number?

Dawn Pinnisi

August 13, 2024

Did you know that the outcome of most legal claims can be profoundly affected by the smallest details? One such detail is the ability to retrieve timely and accurate medical records. In this process, a Medical Record Number (MRN) is key in establishing a clear and comprehensive medical history to support your claims. But, what is a medical record number?

At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we take every piece of evidence in a personal injury case seriously. Our team will use the MRN to access and evaluate your medical records to ensure no detail is overlooked. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, do not leave your case to chance. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to help request MRN, retrieve medical records, and provide legal representation to secure justice.

What Is the Meaning of a Medical Record Number?

A Medical Record Number (MRN) is a unique identifier assigned to each patient within a healthcare system. This number is used to track and manage all the medical records associated with a patient.

The MRN ensures that patients’ health information is consistently and accurately recorded across different visits and treatments. It is permanent and intended to prevent record duplication and maintain patient data integrity within the healthcare facility.

How Can I Find My MRN?

Locating your Medical Record Number (MRN) should be straightforward if you have certain documents from your healthcare provider. The most basic way is to check your most recent billing statement. The MRN is often included alongside your billing documents as unique numbers followed by “A11299.”

In addition, MRN can be found in other documents issued by your healthcare provider, such as:

  • Future appointment lists
  • Orders documents
  • Emergency department discharge papers
  • Inpatient discharge summaries
  • Outpatient visit summaries

However, if you cannot trace any of these documents, you should contact your healthcare provider’s Health Information Management (HIM) team and request your MRN.

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare providers should respond to requests for medical records within 30 days. However, the majority can provide the MRN much sooner, which will enable you to begin filing for medical cost claims.

What Is a Medical Record Number Used For?

A Medical Record Number (MRN) is used as a unique identifier for a patient’s medical records within a healthcare system. It helps ensure that all medical information for a patient is accurately linked and easily accessible.

Usually, personal injury and medical malpractice claims require lawyers to gather evidence about diagnoses, treatments, medications, and hospital visits. Using the MRN, they can quickly and accurately access a patient’s full medical history to prove claims.

For example, in medical malpractice claims, a medical malpractice attorney will use the MRN to review the patient’s medical history, treatments, and diagnoses in detail. This information is key for establishing the standard of care provided and identifying any deviations that may indicate malpractice. Hence, MRN may be very instrumental in building a winning claim.

What Is the Difference Between a Medical Record Number and an Account Number?

A medical record number and account number are words often used when dealing with medical records. However, the two words bear a significant difference.

The medical record number is an identifier assigned to each patient to track all healthcare interactions and treatments throughout their lifetime at the facility. This number remains consistent as long as the patient receives care at the same institution. It ensures accuracy and prevents mix-ups so that all relevant medical data can be accurately retrieved and presented in legal proceedings.

In contrast, healthcare providers use an account number for billing and administrative purposes. This number is assigned for every specific visit and can change with each new billing cycle or episode of care. While it may be used to confirm the financial aspects of medical treatment, an account number does not offer the deep details needed to substantiate claims related to the nature and severity of injuries.

Do I Need a Medical Record Number to File a Claim Against a Hospital or Doctor?

When you want to file a claim against a hospital or doctor, you don’t always need a Medical Record Number (MRN). Your legal team can still file a claim using other information, like your name, date of birth, and details about the treatment you received.

However, having the MRN may make things smoother and help speed up the claim process. With access to your medical records, your attorney will be able to evaluate your case before filing a claim. Since you have a limited time to file a claim against the hospital or doctor, it’s a good idea to consult your attorney as soon as possible, with or without MRN.

Consult a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have a personal injury case, the attorneys at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. can build and present a strong case representing your injuries. Contact us today online or by calling 201-588-1500 to schedule your free consultation. Also, find out more about what is a medical record number with us.

Dawn M. Pinnisi

Dawn M. Pinnisi is a distinguished attorney with a track record of excellence in advocating for victims of injury and negligence. Dawn is a Founding Partner of the Firm, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been awarded by the National Trial Lawyers.

University: J.D. Brooklyn Law School

Bar Number: 33771999

Locations: New Jersey and New York.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.

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