Next Serial value ?

Is there anyway to determine the next serial value to be used for a specific table (without selecting max(<col>)+1). I figure this value must be stored in a system table somewhere right? The server doesn't do the max+1 calculation each time does it? I need this value BEFORE the insert so that I can use it to create a hashed 24 byte code from it - then do the insert. Otherwise, I have to do the insert, get the serial value, create my hashed code, and then do an update. It would be more efficient to know the serial value before hand. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Eric Weaver, InteliHealth