Phone numbers and social security numbers

Right now, two of the most common errors are with phone numbers and social security numbers. Any person requiring a patient care report must have entries in each of these fields.

First, let's address situations where a social security number cannot be obtained.

• All 0's: Used for patients under the age of two
• All 5's: Used for non-US citizens
• All 7's: Used for situations where the patient cannot provide a social security number

Similar conventions can be used for documenting telephone numbers:

• All 5's: Used in instances where the patient does not have a telephone
• All 7's: Used when the patient cannot provide a telephone number

If the patient is unconscious, you might not be able to get any information. That patient, however, should have all 7's entered for their SSN and phone number.