Change ID

This option changes ID codes that cannot be edited on the data screen. It is only active on data screens that contain a primary ID (a top-level ID, not a lookup to another data screen).

You must have the appropriate permission to conduct this operation; see Permission. IDs should only be changed when no other people are accessing the records.

The figure below illustrates a typical Change ID window, which contains two sections. The Old Values section displays the existing ID. The New Values fields default to the current value; enter the new value(s) to change the ID(s). When you change an ID, the old value is replaced with the new one wherever that value occurs. For example, if you change the Patient ID on the Patient Summary data screen, the Patient ID of that patient is changed in all linked tables.

Note: When changing a patient ID, the best practice is to make sure all PDF forms for the patient are flattened before using the Change ID option. IDs will not be changed on flattened PDF forms. If you use Change ID when a PDF form for a patient is open (saved but not flattened), it could result in data loss or problems with open orders associated with the patient's appointment. If any PDF forms for that patient were unflattened when Change ID was performed, open each of them and click refresh SYSTOC data to update the new ID.

Change ID window accessed from the Company Drug Programs screen

If the new values do not already exist in the system, the changes will be made as soon as you click Ok. A duplicate record message displays if the new ID already exists.

Duplicate record warning message on change/merge ID

See Merging IDs for more information about this procedure before deciding whether to continue. If there are conflicts that cannot be resolved, Record Tracker bookmarks are created for related records to show the occurrences of the ID that are involved. You can use the bookmarks to view the records and correct your data. See the instructions provided in Record Tracker for more information about these bookmarks.

It is important to think through the changes prior to using Change ID. The process may be time consuming and not worth the effort involved. Using the Record Tracker function prior to changing IDs will give you an idea of the scope of work involved in your proposed changes and may help you decide whether the effort is worthwhile.

IDs cannot be changed on processed invoices. If processed invoices exist for the entity you want to change, use the Move Invoice(s) option to move the invoices to the new account. See Move Invoice(s).