Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI)

The Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI) is a tool that stores and links demographic and selected personal information (e.g. your name, date of birth, medical record number, health card number). 

It is currently used by the Wait Times Information System and hospitals to identify individuals across institutions. In the future, the EMPI will be connected to other health information systems in the province, such as radiology, lab and pharmacy
information systems. The EMPI does not contain clinical information.

eHealth Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and is mandated to work with Ontario’s health care sector to enable health information custodians (HICs) share personal health information (PHI). The MOHLTC has designated eHealth Ontario as its agent to operate the EMPI.

Privacy and Security

The Ontario Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI) Privacy Policy is structured around the ten fair information practice principles of the Canadian Standards Association’s Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information.  Personal health information collected, used and disclosed via the EMPI will be in full accordance and compliance with the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and the PHIPA Agent Agreement between the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Smart Systems for Health Agency.

Read more about the privacy and security of the EMPI:

EMPI Privacy Policy

EMPI Privacy Impact Assessment Summaries*

* Note: This document was prepared for the former Smart Systems for Health Agency

 

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have questions about the EMPI. The frequently asked questions (FAQs) below are intended to serve as an educational tool. As such, these FAQs should be used for general reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

For Patients
For Administrators
For Privacy Officers

Technical Documents

The technical documents included here provide details on the specifications used to ensure clear communication between sending and receiving systems

EMPI Interface Specification v 8.3
Developed under the Wait Times Strategy

Process for testing changes to existing source system interface (i.e. as a result of upgrading or changing your ADT system) (COMING SOON )

Support

EMPI Support is available through the eHealth Support Desk

1-866-250–1554
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

The eHealth Support Desk is your single point of contact for EMPI support and related inquiries. The eHealth Support Desk team members can help you with:

• EMPI Application questions
• EMPI Application (Auditor) questions
• EMPI Hospital IT System interface issues
• EMPI Registration issues
• EMPI Log in issues for Citrix and Auditor
• EMPI Application (Auditor) questions

When you contact the eHealth Support Desk by telephone, you will be asked to identify yourself and the location you are calling from.