Which of the following is a common method for patient identification?

Using full name and date of birth as a method for patient identification is a common and effective practice in healthcare settings. This approach minimizes the risk of errors and mix-ups in patient records, as both the full name and date of birth are unique to individuals. The full name helps to clearly identify the patient, while the date of birth adds an additional layer of verification. Together, these two pieces of information are widely accepted and can be easily verified against various forms of identification, such as driver's licenses or government-issued IDs.

Other identification methods may have limitations. For instance, a social security number and address can be less reliable due to changes in personal circumstances, such as moving or name changes. Medical record numbers and insurance details also work but might not be as immediately recognizable in acute care situations since they require access to specific systems. Similarly, a phone number and email address are not consistently unique identifiers, as multiple patients may share the same phone number or have similar contact information. Therefore, using the combination of full name and date of birth is favored for patient safety and accuracy in healthcare environments.