--- title: Patient File Overview slug: medhistory-populations/guide/patient-file-overview docTags: createdAt: 2026-06-10T15:15:44.704Z --- :::hint{type="info"} **Note: **Refer to the [Patient File Load Examples](docId\:GjIodrsKv1uJ7LzY4y4IF) section of this guide to view the code structure. ::: ## Patient File Load Naming The File Load naming convention is: \\_PMA\_\.\. Surescripts recommends compressing the file prior to transmitting it to Surescripts. The current zip protocols that are supported are gzip, bzip2 and zip. Example: `ACOCompany_PMA_20201204-01.gz` ### Patient Response File Naming The naming convention is \.\.\.rsp. Example: `ACOCompany_PMA_20201204-01.20201204012025.20201204012025.rsp` ## Patient File Load Format The Patient File Load format will be pipe-delimited (hex7c). Each field is delimited by the pipe character (|). If a pipe-character (hex7c) is used in field data, it must be escaped with \F\\. For example, Main | Street would be listed as Main \F\ Street. Each line is to be separated by a new line (hex0A) character. For detailed field information, refer to the Request File Elements and Patient File Load Examples sections. Validation and Error Code details are available in [File Load Validation and Error Code Details](docId\:SiMNmgK3HLa8mdDIYZSJt) . :::hint{type="info"} **Note: **If mandatory fields are not included, the Patient File Load and/or patient record will not pass validation, and the patient will not be loaded or monitored. All conditional fields must be accounted for, either with data, or a placeholder delimiter. :::