KEY CALLER Key tags and loose-leaf rings create an efficient, thrifty paging system.

DIY Paging System
An Affordable Way to Protect Patient Privacy

Even though calling out a patient's name isn't a HIPAA violation, it does present privacy concerns. Our center tried an electronic paging system, but it didn't work as well as we'd hoped. Enter our brilliant business office manager, Carol Viens.

Carol suggested we create our own system for a fraction of the cost. To do so, we bought a key-holder board, key tags and loose-leaf rings, available at office supply stores. Then, we wrote numbers on the key tags with a marker and attached each one to a loose-leaf ring. We then hung the key-holder next to the reception desk, and placed the numbered key tags on it.

When patients check in, we give them a key tag and tell them to give it to their family member or driver when they go back for surgery. The front desk writes the number of the key tag on both the patient's chart and next to the patient's name on our ride list at the reception desk. We call out the number when it's time for the patient to go back for surgery, and again after the patient is in PACU, when the family can go back to recovery or go fetch the car. The system is a cheap but effective way to protect patient privacy, and is much easier to learn than high-tech paging systems.

Linda W. Frix, RN, BSN, CAPA
Northern Virginia Surgery Center
Fairfax, Va.
[email protected]