When configuring multiple patient monitors (12) in a healthcare environment, configuration is simplified and setup time is reduced by employing barcoded configuration information that is scanned into the monitors (12) using a barcode scanner (14). A first monitor (12a) is configured by selectively scanning one or more barcodes contained in a configuration booklet. Once the first monitor (12a) is configured, its configuration information is stored and printed in barcoded format. The printed barcodes are then scanned into a second patient monitor (12b), without requiring the user to navigate the configuration barcode booklet a second time. Additionally, a patient's ID barcode is printed on vital signs records generated by the monitor, such as by a strip chart recorder or printer (20).