Chapter 2: Client Services

Because VMIS is a databased information system, there are three numbers that you as a Client Services staff member will come in contact with.

• Account number – this is specific to the owner.

• Patient number – this is specific to the animal/patient. Also known as the patient ID number.

• Visit number – this refers to the individual admission event-a number assigned for each visit or event.

These are important because everything we do is associated with these numbers. Knowing if a client or patient has a number is the first thing you need to ascertain how to proceed with any task because if they have a client or patient number then they have been here before OR we have a referral for them in pending. All interactions can therefore be broken down into existing clients or new clients.

See the following diagram for an example:

Additional Information

Archived: an admission event that was pending or scheduled and summarily cancelled per the owner or rDVM and has been ARCHIVED as to retain the pertinent event information in the Patient Summary history.

Types of identifying numbers within VMIS:

• Visit #/Admission ID: a number assigned for each visit or event

• Account #: the client #

• Case #: Patient ID number

Note: Not all specialty services require a referral. A referral vet is NOT required for a new patient being admitted to primary care.