Changing IDs

Once an ID has been entered, it cannot be changed manually on the originating data-entry screen. Authorized users who need to change all the occurrences of a particular ID can use Change ID, which is located under the Special menu in the top menu bar.

It is important to think through the changes prior to using Change ID, especially if you need to merge IDs. The process may be time consuming and not worth the effort involved. See the Merging IDs section later in this topic, with links to related topics.

Changing an ID: Steps

The image below illustrates a typical Change ID window, which contains two sections. The values in the Old Values portion of the window display in the New Values section by default.

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.

  1. Open the screen containing the ID you want to change. For example, if you want to change a Company ID, open the Company screen.
  2. Select the Change ID option. The number of fields displayed varies depending on the number of values that can be changed on a particular screen.

  3. Type the ID you want to change to in the New Value field and click Ok (or press Alt+O). If the new values do not already exist in the system, the changes are made as soon as you click Ok. All occurrences of the old value are changed.

Changing a Patient ID: Tips

The best practice is to make sure all PDF forms for the patient are flattened before using the Change ID option.
  • Performing Change ID when a PDF form for a patient is open (saved but not flattened) could result in data loss or problems with open orders associated with the patient's appointment.
  • If Change ID was performed with a patient's PDF forms not flattened, open each one and click Refresh SYSTOC Data to update the Patient ID.

Merging IDs

A duplicate record message displays if the new ID already exists.



See Merging IDs for more information about this procedure before deciding whether to continue. You can use Record Tracker (available from the Special Menu) prior to changing IDs to give you an idea of the scope of work involved in your proposed changes and help you decide whether the effort is worthwhile.

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 Record Tracker for more information.