System Conversion

Your facility is getting a new MPI.  You are replacing an existing computerized MPI that no longer meets the needs of the organization.  Most of the staff are excited about the new functionality that will be available.  The problem you found is that there are some differences in the structure of the data fields between the two systems.  Using the information in the table below to review the differences between the two systems, determine if the data in the old system needs to be converted.  If any of the fields need to be converted, specify exactly what needs to be done.  Precision is important, since the programmers will be using this information to write the conversion software code.  If appropriate, provide examples to the programmers so that there will not be any confusion.  Document your findings in the comments column, add additional information if necessary and return to your instructor for grading.

Field Analysis for System Conversion
Field    Old System    New System    Comments
Date of Birth (DOB)    Mmddyyyy    Mmddyyyy
Last Name    25 Characters    30 Characters
First Name    20 Characters    18 Characters
Service    Medical
Newborn
OB/Gyn
Pediatrics
Surgery    Cardiology
Cardiovascular Surgery
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Family Practice
Gastroenterology
General Surgery
Gynecology
Internal Medicine
Neonatology
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Newborn
Obstetrics
Oncology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Pulmonary

Patient Types    Inpatient
ER
Outpatient    Inpatient
Cardiac Rehab
ER
Outpatient Surgery
Outpatient
Physician Number    4 digit    5 digit
MRN    7 digit    10 digit

System Conversion

Your facility is getting a new MPI.  You are replacing an existing computerized MPI that no longer meets the needs of the organization.  Most of the staff are excited about the new functionality that will be available.  The problem you found is that there are some differences in the structure of the data fields between the two systems.  Using the information in the table below to review the differences between the two systems, determine if the data in the old system needs to be converted.  If any of the fields need to be converted, specify exactly what needs to be done.  Precision is important, since the programmers will be using this information to write the conversion software code.  If appropriate, provide examples to the programmers so that there will not be any confusion.  Document your findings in the comments column, add additional information if necessary and return to your instructor for grading.

Field Analysis for System Conversion
Field    Old System    New System    Comments
Date of Birth (DOB)    Mmddyyyy    Mmddyyyy
Last Name    25 Characters    30 Characters
First Name    20 Characters    18 Characters
Service    Medical
Newborn
OB/Gyn
Pediatrics
Surgery    Cardiology
Cardiovascular Surgery
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Family Practice
Gastroenterology
General Surgery
Gynecology
Internal Medicine
Neonatology
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Newborn
Obstetrics
Oncology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Pulmonary

Patient Types    Inpatient
ER
Outpatient    Inpatient
Cardiac Rehab
ER
Outpatient Surgery
Outpatient
Physician Number    4 digit    5 digit
MRN    7 digit    10 digit