A properly developed and maintained terminal digit (color-coded and blocked) filing system makes it easier to?

A properly developed and maintained terminal digit filing system enhances the ability to identify misfiled records effectively. This system uses a color-coded and blocked format that categorizes records based on terminal digits – the last digits of a patient’s ID or record number. The structure allows for a more organized arrangement, reducing confusion and making it easier for staff to pinpoint where a particular record should be located.

When records are arranged using terminal digits, any discrepancies, such as a record being placed in the wrong section, become more apparent because the system's design allows for quick visual checks against expected order and color-coding. As a result, if a record does not fit where it should according to terminal digits, it stands out as misfiled, streamlining the identification process. This efficiency in managing the physical arrangement of records minimizes errors and enhances the overall management of patient information.