SOS Technical Reference Document
Copyright (c) 1994 by Synergistic Office Solutions, Inc.

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TOPIC..: Error 40, Creates Duplicate Key
REVISED: 03/10/94

SUMMARY ----------------------------------------------------------------

The duplicate key error most often occurs when you are adding a new item
to a list and you accidentally try to assign a code or id that is already
in use.

Many of the records in the OM and CM data files contain unique
identifiers, such as ID numbers or codes. By definition, you cannot use
the same unique identifier for more than one record. For example, no
more than one patient can have the same Patient ID. No more than one
service can have exactly the same shorthand code or description.

CORRECTION -------------------------------------------------------------

Even the slightest change in the unique field will allow you to add the
new record. To the computer, even the addition of a period or an extra
space will satisfy the uniqueness requirement.

If the problem is in the description field of a service, you are in luck!
Close inspection of the screen will show you that only the first 20
characters of the description field normally print, so you can add
something unique at the right end of the field without having to worry
about it printing on statements.