Cross Reference~

Cross Reference

An indexing method whereby files can include pre-sorted lists of entries as part of the stored database. Cross-references (x-refs) facilitate look-up and reporting.

A file may be cross-referenced to provide direct access to its entries in several ways. For example, VA FileMan allows the Patient file to be cross-referenced by name, social security number, and bed number. When VA FileMan asks for a patient, the user may then respond with the patient’s name, social security number, or his bed number. A cross-reference speeds up access to the file, both for looking up entries and for printing reports.

A cross-reference is also referred to as an index or cross-index.

Source: Spinal Cord Dysfunction V. 2.0 User Manual

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This is a Glossary term from the VistA Documentation Library