IHE FHIR Profile: Occupational Data for Health (ODH) - International
1.0.0 - Trial-Implementation International flag

This page is part of the IHE FHIR Profile: Occupational Data for Health (ODH) - International (v1.0.0: Publication) based on FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) R4. This is the current published version in its permanent home (it will always be available at this URL). For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: EmploymentStatus - Detailed Descriptions

Active as of 2024-12-04

Definitions for the odh-EmploymentStatus resource profile.

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

0. Observation
Definition

The self-reported current and/or historical status about a person's economic relationship to work (e.g. having one or more jobs), including start and end dates. A person's Employment Status could change over time, for example, a person could be employed following a period of choosing to not be in the labor force. Outside of ODH, the employment arrangement between an employer and a person (one job) has sometimes been referred to as a person's 'employment status.' However, in ODH, Employment Status is used to characterize a person, Work Classification is used to characterize a job, and Retirement Date is used to characterize a person as retired.

ShortEmployment Status
Is Modifierfalse
2. Observation.basedOn
Definition

The plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this observation.

ShortThe plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this observation
TypeReference(ServiceRequest)
4. Observation.partOf
Definition

The larger procedure that this particular observation is a component or step.

ShortThe larger procedure that this particular observation is a component or step
TypeReference(Procedure)
6. Observation.category
Control0..1
8. Observation.category.coding
Control1..*
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.coding. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ code
  • 10. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history
    Slice NameFixed_social-history
    Definition

    Social History

    ShortSocial History
    Control1..1
    TypeCoding
    12. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.system
    Control1..1
    Fixed Valuehttp://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
    14. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.code
    Control1..1
    Fixed Valuesocial-history
    16. Observation.code
    18. Observation.code.coding
    Control1..*
    SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.code.coding. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
    • value @ code
    • 20. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2
      Slice NameFixed_74165-2
      Definition

      History of employment status NIOSH

      ShortHistory of employment status NIOSH
      Control1..1
      TypeCoding
      22. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.system
      Control1..1
      Fixed Valuehttp://loinc.org
      24. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.code
      Control1..1
      Fixed Value74165-2
      26. Observation.subject
      Definition

      The subject of an observation.

      ShortThe subject of an observation
      Control1..1
      TypeReference(Patient)
      28. Observation.focus
      Control0..0
      30. Observation.effectivePeriod
      Definition

      The time period the employment status addresses. If the employment is current, the ending time of the time period should be omitted.

      ShortThe time period the employment status addresses. If the employment is current, the ending time of the time period should be omitted.
      TypePeriod
      32. Observation.performer
      TypeReference(Practitioner, Organization, Patient, RelatedPerson)
      34. Observation.valueCodeableConcept
      Definition

      A person's employment status as defined by compensation and sector (e.g. paid vs. unpaid, self-employed vs. not self-employed, government vs. private, etc.).

      ShortA person's employment status as defined by compensation and sector (e.g. paid vs. unpaid, self-employed vs. not self-employed, government vs. private, etc.)
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from employmentStatusODH
      (required to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v3-employmentStatusODH)
      TypeCodeableConcept
      36. Observation.dataAbsentReason
      Control0..0
      38. Observation.interpretation
      Control0..1
      40. Observation.bodySite
      Control0..0
      BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from SNOMEDCTBodyStructures
      (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site)

      Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.

      42. Observation.method
      Control0..0
      44. Observation.specimen
      Control0..0
      46. Observation.device
      Control0..0
      TypeReference(Device)
      48. Observation.referenceRange
      Control0..0
      52. Observation.hasMember
      Control0..0
      54. Observation.derivedFrom
      TypeReference(DocumentReference, Media, QuestionnaireResponse, Observation)
      56. Observation.component
      Control0..0

      Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

      0. Observation
      Definition

      The self-reported current and/or historical status about a person's economic relationship to work (e.g. having one or more jobs), including start and end dates. A person's Employment Status could change over time, for example, a person could be employed following a period of choosing to not be in the labor force. Outside of ODH, the employment arrangement between an employer and a person (one job) has sometimes been referred to as a person's 'employment status.' However, in ODH, Employment Status is used to characterize a person, Work Classification is used to characterize a job, and Retirement Date is used to characterize a person as retired.


      Measurements and simple assertions made about a patient, device or other subject.

      ShortEmployment StatusMeasurements and simple assertions
      Comments

      Used for simple observations such as device measurements, laboratory atomic results, vital signs, height, weight, smoking status, comments, etc. Other resources are used to provide context for observations such as laboratory reports, etc.

      Control0..*
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summaryfalse
      Alternate NamesVital Signs, Measurement, Results, Tests
      Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
      dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
      dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
      dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
      dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
      obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present (dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty())
      obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present (value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty())
      obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present (dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty())
      obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present (value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty())
      2. Observation.implicitRules
      Definition

      A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

      ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
      Comments

      Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

      Control0..1
      Typeuri
      Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      4. Observation.modifierExtension
      Definition

      May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

      Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

      ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
      Comments

      There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

      Control0..*
      TypeExtension
      Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
      Summaryfalse
      Requirements

      Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

      Alternate Namesextensions, user content
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
      6. Observation.basedOn
      Definition

      The plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this observation.


      A plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this event. For example, a MedicationRequest may require a patient to have laboratory test performed before it is dispensed.

      ShortThe plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this observationFulfills plan, proposal or order
      Control0..*
      TypeReference(ServiceRequest, CarePlan, DeviceRequest, ImmunizationRecommendation, MedicationRequest, NutritionOrder)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Allows tracing of authorization for the event and tracking whether proposals/recommendations were acted upon.

      Alternate NamesFulfills
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      8. Observation.partOf
      Definition

      The larger procedure that this particular observation is a component or step.


      A larger event of which this particular Observation is a component or step. For example, an observation as part of a procedure.

      ShortThe larger procedure that this particular observation is a component or stepPart of referenced event
      Comments

      To link an Observation to an Encounter use encounter. See the Notes below for guidance on referencing another Observation.

      Control0..*
      TypeReference(Procedure, MedicationAdministration, MedicationDispense, MedicationStatement, Immunization, ImagingStudy)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Alternate NamesContainer
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      10. Observation.status
      Definition

      The status of the result value.

      Shortregistered | preliminary | final | amended +
      Comments

      This element is labeled as a modifier because the status contains codes that mark the resource as not currently valid.

      Control1..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ObservationStatushttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1)

      Codes providing the status of an observation.

      Typecode
      Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because it is a status element that contains status entered-in-error which means that the resource should not be treated as valid
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Need to track the status of individual results. Some results are finalized before the whole report is finalized.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      12. Observation.category
      Definition

      A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

      ShortClassification of type of observation
      Comments

      In addition to the required category valueset, this element allows various categorization schemes based on the owner’s definition of the category and effectively multiple categories can be used at once. The level of granularity is defined by the category concepts in the value set.

      Control0..1*
      BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationCategoryCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
      (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category)

      Codes for high level observation categories.

      TypeCodeableConcept
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summaryfalse
      Requirements

      Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      14. Observation.category.coding
      Definition

      A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

      ShortCode defined by a terminology system
      Comments

      Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

      Control10..*
      TypeCoding
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.coding. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
      • value @ code
      • 16. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history
        Slice NameFixed_social-history
        Definition

        Social History


        A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

        ShortSocial HistoryCode defined by a terminology system
        Comments

        Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

        Control10..1*
        TypeCoding
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        18. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.system
        Definition

        The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

        ShortIdentity of the terminology system
        Comments

        The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

        Control10..1
        Typeuri
        Is Modifierfalse
        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

        Fixed Valuehttp://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        20. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.code
        Definition

        A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

        ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
        Control10..1
        Typecode
        Is Modifierfalse
        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

        Fixed Valuesocial-history
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        22. Observation.code
        Definition

        Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "name".

        ShortType of observation (code / type)
        Comments

        All code-value and, if present, component.code-component.value pairs need to be taken into account to correctly understand the meaning of the observation.

        Control1..1
        BindingFor example codes, see LOINCCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
        (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes)

        Codes identifying names of simple observations.

        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Knowing what kind of observation is being made is essential to understanding the observation.

        Alternate NamesName
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        24. Observation.code.coding
        Definition

        A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

        ShortCode defined by a terminology system
        Comments

        Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

        Control10..*
        TypeCoding
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.code.coding. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
        • value @ code
        • 26. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2
          Slice NameFixed_74165-2
          Definition

          History of employment status NIOSH


          A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

          ShortHistory of employment status NIOSHCode defined by a terminology system
          Comments

          Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

          Control10..1*
          TypeCoding
          Is Modifierfalse
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          28. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.system
          Definition

          The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

          ShortIdentity of the terminology system
          Comments

          The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

          Control10..1
          Typeuri
          Is Modifierfalse
          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

          Fixed Valuehttp://loinc.org
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          30. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.code
          Definition

          A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

          ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
          Control10..1
          Typecode
          Is Modifierfalse
          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

          Fixed Value74165-2
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          32. Observation.subject
          Definition

          The subject of an observation.


          The patient, or group of patients, location, or device this observation is about and into whose record the observation is placed. If the actual focus of the observation is different from the subject (or a sample of, part, or region of the subject), the focus element or the code itself specifies the actual focus of the observation.

          ShortThe subject of an observationWho and/or what the observation is about
          Comments

          One would expect this element to be a cardinality of 1..1. The only circumstance in which the subject can be missing is when the observation is made by a device that does not know the patient. In this case, the observation SHALL be matched to a patient through some context/channel matching technique, and at this point, the observation should be updated.

          Control10..1
          TypeReference(Patient, Group, Device, Location)
          Is Modifierfalse
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Observations have no value if you don't know who or what they're about.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          34. Observation.focus
          Definition

          The actual focus of an observation when it is not the patient of record representing something or someone associated with the patient such as a spouse, parent, fetus, or donor. For example, fetus observations in a mother's record. The focus of an observation could also be an existing condition, an intervention, the subject's diet, another observation of the subject, or a body structure such as tumor or implanted device. An example use case would be using the Observation resource to capture whether the mother is trained to change her child's tracheostomy tube. In this example, the child is the patient of record and the mother is the focus.

          ShortWhat the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
          Comments

          Typically, an observation is made about the subject - a patient, or group of patients, location, or device - and the distinction between the subject and what is directly measured for an observation is specified in the observation code itself ( e.g., "Blood Glucose") and does not need to be represented separately using this element. Use specimen if a reference to a specimen is required. If a code is required instead of a resource use either bodysite for bodysites or the standard extension focusCode.

          Control0..0*
          TypeReference(Resource)
          Is Modifierfalse
          Summarytrue
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          36. Observation.effective[x]
          Definition

          The time or time-period the observed value is asserted as being true. For biological subjects - e.g. human patients - this is usually called the "physiologically relevant time". This is usually either the time of the procedure or of specimen collection, but very often the source of the date/time is not known, only the date/time itself.

          ShortClinically relevant time/time-period for observation
          Comments

          At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

          Control0..1
          TypeChoice of: dateTime, Period, Timing, instant
          [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
          Is Modifierfalse
          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

          Alternate NamesOccurrence
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.effective[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
          • type @ $this
          • 38. Observation.effective[x]:effectivePeriod
            Slice NameeffectivePeriod
            Definition

            The time period the employment status addresses. If the employment is current, the ending time of the time period should be omitted.


            The time or time-period the observed value is asserted as being true. For biological subjects - e.g. human patients - this is usually called the "physiologically relevant time". This is usually either the time of the procedure or of specimen collection, but very often the source of the date/time is not known, only the date/time itself.

            ShortThe time period the employment status addresses. If the employment is current, the ending time of the time period should be omitted.Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
            Comments

            At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

            Control0..1
            TypePeriod, dateTime, Timing, instant
            [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
            Is Modifierfalse
            Summarytrue
            Requirements

            Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

            Alternate NamesOccurrence
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            40. Observation.performer
            Definition

            Who was responsible for asserting the observed value as "true".

            ShortWho is responsible for the observation
            Control0..*
            TypeReference(Practitioner, Organization, Patient, RelatedPerson, PractitionerRole, CareTeam)
            Is Modifierfalse
            Summarytrue
            Requirements

            May give a degree of confidence in the observation and also indicates where follow-up questions should be directed.

            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            42. Observation.value[x]
            Definition

            The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

            ShortActual result
            Comments

            An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

            Control0..1
            This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7
            TypeChoice of: Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period
            [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
            Is Modifierfalse
            Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
            Summarytrue
            Requirements

            An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.value[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
            • type @ $this
            • 44. Observation.value[x]:valueCodeableConcept
              Slice NamevalueCodeableConcept
              Definition

              A person's employment status as defined by compensation and sector (e.g. paid vs. unpaid, self-employed vs. not self-employed, government vs. private, etc.).


              The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

              ShortA person's employment status as defined by compensation and sector (e.g. paid vs. unpaid, self-employed vs. not self-employed, government vs. private, etc.)Actual result
              Comments

              An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

              Control0..1
              This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7
              BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from For codes, see employmentStatusODH
              (required to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v3-employmentStatusODH)
              TypeCodeableConcept, dateTime, boolean, string, SampledData, Quantity, Period, Ratio, integer, time, Range
              [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              46. Observation.dataAbsentReason
              Definition

              Provides a reason why the expected value in the element Observation.value[x] is missing.

              ShortWhy the result is missing
              Comments

              Null or exceptional values can be represented two ways in FHIR Observations. One way is to simply include them in the value set and represent the exceptions in the value. For example, measurement values for a serology test could be "detected", "not detected", "inconclusive", or "specimen unsatisfactory".

              The alternate way is to use the value element for actual observations and use the explicit dataAbsentReason element to record exceptional values. For example, the dataAbsentReason code "error" could be used when the measurement was not completed. Note that an observation may only be reported if there are values to report. For example differential cell counts values may be reported only when > 0. Because of these options, use-case agreements are required to interpret general observations for null or exceptional values.

              Control0..01
              This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-6
              BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from DataAbsentReasonhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
              (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason)

              Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

              TypeCodeableConcept
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Requirements

              For many results it is necessary to handle exceptional values in measurements.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              48. Observation.interpretation
              Definition

              A categorical assessment of an observation value. For example, high, low, normal.

              ShortHigh, low, normal, etc.
              Comments

              Historically used for laboratory results (known as 'abnormal flag' ), its use extends to other use cases where coded interpretations are relevant. Often reported as one or more simple compact codes this element is often placed adjacent to the result value in reports and flow sheets to signal the meaning/normalcy status of the result.

              Control0..1*
              BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from ObservationInterpretationCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation
              (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation)

              Codes identifying interpretations of observations.

              TypeCodeableConcept
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Requirements

              For some results, particularly numeric results, an interpretation is necessary to fully understand the significance of a result.

              Alternate NamesAbnormal Flag
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              50. Observation.bodySite
              Definition

              Indicates the site on the subject's body where the observation was made (i.e. the target site).

              ShortObserved body part
              Comments

              Only used if not implicit in code found in Observation.code. In many systems, this may be represented as a related observation instead of an inline component.

              If the use case requires BodySite to be handled as a separate resource (e.g. to identify and track separately) then use the standard extension bodySite.

              Control0..01
              BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from For example codes, see SNOMEDCTBodyStructureshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site
              (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site)

              Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.

              TypeCodeableConcept
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              52. Observation.method
              Definition

              Indicates the mechanism used to perform the observation.

              ShortHow it was done
              Comments

              Only used if not implicit in code for Observation.code.

              Control0..01
              BindingFor example codes, see ObservationMethodshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods
              (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods)

              Methods for simple observations.

              TypeCodeableConcept
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Requirements

              In some cases, method can impact results and is thus used for determining whether results can be compared or determining significance of results.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              54. Observation.specimen
              Definition

              The specimen that was used when this observation was made.

              ShortSpecimen used for this observation
              Comments

              Should only be used if not implicit in code found in Observation.code. Observations are not made on specimens themselves; they are made on a subject, but in many cases by the means of a specimen. Note that although specimens are often involved, they are not always tracked and reported explicitly. Also note that observation resources may be used in contexts that track the specimen explicitly (e.g. Diagnostic Report).

              Control0..01
              TypeReference(Specimen)
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              56. Observation.device
              Definition

              The device used to generate the observation data.

              Short(Measurement) Device
              Comments

              Note that this is not meant to represent a device involved in the transmission of the result, e.g., a gateway. Such devices may be documented using the Provenance resource where relevant.

              Control0..01
              TypeReference(Device, DeviceMetric)
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              58. Observation.referenceRange
              Definition

              Guidance on how to interpret the value by comparison to a normal or recommended range. Multiple reference ranges are interpreted as an "OR". In other words, to represent two distinct target populations, two referenceRange elements would be used.

              ShortProvides guide for interpretation
              Comments

              Most observations only have one generic reference range. Systems MAY choose to restrict to only supplying the relevant reference range based on knowledge about the patient (e.g., specific to the patient's age, gender, weight and other factors), but this might not be possible or appropriate. Whenever more than one reference range is supplied, the differences between them SHOULD be provided in the reference range and/or age properties.

              Control0..0*
              TypeBackboneElement
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Requirements

              Knowing what values are considered "normal" can help evaluate the significance of a particular result. Need to be able to provide multiple reference ranges for different contexts.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text (low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists())
              obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text (low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists())
              63. Observation.hasMember
              Definition

              This observation is a group observation (e.g. a battery, a panel of tests, a set of vital sign measurements) that includes the target as a member of the group.

              ShortRelated resource that belongs to the Observation group
              Comments

              When using this element, an observation will typically have either a value or a set of related resources, although both may be present in some cases. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below. Note that a system may calculate results from QuestionnaireResponse into a final score and represent the score as an Observation.


              When using this element, an observation will typically have either a value or a set of related resources, although both may be present in some cases. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below. Note that a system may calculate results from QuestionnaireResponse into a final score and represent the score as an Observation.

              Control0..0*
              TypeReference(Observation, QuestionnaireResponse, MolecularSequence)
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              65. Observation.derivedFrom
              Definition

              The target resource that represents a measurement from which this observation value is derived. For example, a calculated anion gap or a fetal measurement based on an ultrasound image.

              ShortRelated measurements the observation is made from
              Comments

              All the reference choices that are listed in this element can represent clinical observations and other measurements that may be the source for a derived value. The most common reference will be another Observation. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below.

              Control0..*
              TypeReference(DocumentReference, Media, QuestionnaireResponse, Observation, ImagingStudy, MolecularSequence)
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              67. Observation.component
              Definition

              Some observations have multiple component observations. These component observations are expressed as separate code value pairs that share the same attributes. Examples include systolic and diastolic component observations for blood pressure measurement and multiple component observations for genetics observations.

              ShortComponent results
              Comments

              For a discussion on the ways Observations can be assembled in groups together see Notes below.

              Control0..0*
              TypeBackboneElement
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              Component observations share the same attributes in the Observation resource as the primary observation and are always treated a part of a single observation (they are not separable). However, the reference range for the primary observation value is not inherited by the component values and is required when appropriate for each component observation.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))

              Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

              0. Observation
              Definition

              The self-reported current and/or historical status about a person's economic relationship to work (e.g. having one or more jobs), including start and end dates. A person's Employment Status could change over time, for example, a person could be employed following a period of choosing to not be in the labor force. Outside of ODH, the employment arrangement between an employer and a person (one job) has sometimes been referred to as a person's 'employment status.' However, in ODH, Employment Status is used to characterize a person, Work Classification is used to characterize a job, and Retirement Date is used to characterize a person as retired.

              ShortEmployment Status
              Comments

              Used for simple observations such as device measurements, laboratory atomic results, vital signs, height, weight, smoking status, comments, etc. Other resources are used to provide context for observations such as laboratory reports, etc.

              Control0..*
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Alternate NamesVital Signs, Measurement, Results, Tests
              Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
              dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
              dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
              dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
              dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
              obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present (dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty())
              obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present (value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty())
              2. Observation.id
              Definition

              The logical id of the resource, as used in the URL for the resource. Once assigned, this value never changes.

              ShortLogical id of this artifact
              Comments

              The only time that a resource does not have an id is when it is being submitted to the server using a create operation.

              Control0..1
              Typeid
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              4. Observation.meta
              Definition

              The metadata about the resource. This is content that is maintained by the infrastructure. Changes to the content might not always be associated with version changes to the resource.

              ShortMetadata about the resource
              Control0..1
              TypeMeta
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              6. Observation.implicitRules
              Definition

              A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

              ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
              Comments

              Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

              Control0..1
              Typeuri
              Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Summarytrue
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              8. Observation.language
              Definition

              The base language in which the resource is written.

              ShortLanguage of the resource content
              Comments

              Language is provided to support indexing and accessibility (typically, services such as text to speech use the language tag). The html language tag in the narrative applies to the narrative. The language tag on the resource may be used to specify the language of other presentations generated from the data in the resource. Not all the content has to be in the base language. The Resource.language should not be assumed to apply to the narrative automatically. If a language is specified, it should it also be specified on the div element in the html (see rules in HTML5 for information about the relationship between xml:lang and the html lang attribute).

              Control0..1
              BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguages
              (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages)

              A human language.

              Additional BindingsPurpose
              AllLanguagesMax Binding
              Typecode
              Is Modifierfalse
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Summaryfalse
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              10. Observation.text
              Definition

              A human-readable narrative that contains a summary of the resource and can be used to represent the content of the resource to a human. The narrative need not encode all the structured data, but is required to contain sufficient detail to make it "clinically safe" for a human to just read the narrative. Resource definitions may define what content should be represented in the narrative to ensure clinical safety.

              ShortText summary of the resource, for human interpretation
              Comments

              Contained resources do not have narrative. Resources that are not contained SHOULD have a narrative. In some cases, a resource may only have text with little or no additional discrete data (as long as all minOccurs=1 elements are satisfied). This may be necessary for data from legacy systems where information is captured as a "text blob" or where text is additionally entered raw or narrated and encoded information is added later.

              Control0..1
              TypeNarrative
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Alternate Namesnarrative, html, xhtml, display
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              12. Observation.contained
              Definition

              These resources do not have an independent existence apart from the resource that contains them - they cannot be identified independently, and nor can they have their own independent transaction scope.

              ShortContained, inline Resources
              Comments

              This should never be done when the content can be identified properly, as once identification is lost, it is extremely difficult (and context dependent) to restore it again. Contained resources may have profiles and tags In their meta elements, but SHALL NOT have security labels.

              Control0..*
              TypeResource
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Alternate Namesinline resources, anonymous resources, contained resources
              14. Observation.extension
              Definition

              May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

              ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
              Comments

              There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

              Control0..*
              TypeExtension
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Alternate Namesextensions, user content
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
              16. Observation.modifierExtension
              Definition

              May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

              Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

              ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
              Comments

              There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

              Control0..*
              TypeExtension
              Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
              Summaryfalse
              Requirements

              Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

              Alternate Namesextensions, user content
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
              18. Observation.identifier
              Definition

              A unique identifier assigned to this observation.

              ShortBusiness Identifier for observation
              NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
              Control0..*
              TypeIdentifier
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              Allows observations to be distinguished and referenced.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              20. Observation.basedOn
              Definition

              The plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this observation.

              ShortThe plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this observation
              Control0..*
              TypeReference(ServiceRequest)
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              Allows tracing of authorization for the event and tracking whether proposals/recommendations were acted upon.

              Alternate NamesFulfills
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              22. Observation.partOf
              Definition

              The larger procedure that this particular observation is a component or step.

              ShortThe larger procedure that this particular observation is a component or step
              Comments

              To link an Observation to an Encounter use encounter. See the Notes below for guidance on referencing another Observation.

              Control0..*
              TypeReference(Procedure)
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summarytrue
              Alternate NamesContainer
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              24. Observation.status
              Definition

              The status of the result value.

              Shortregistered | preliminary | final | amended +
              Comments

              This element is labeled as a modifier because the status contains codes that mark the resource as not currently valid.

              Control1..1
              BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ObservationStatus
              (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1)

              Codes providing the status of an observation.

              Typecode
              Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because it is a status element that contains status entered-in-error which means that the resource should not be treated as valid
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              Need to track the status of individual results. Some results are finalized before the whole report is finalized.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              26. Observation.category
              Definition

              A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

              ShortClassification of type of observation
              Comments

              In addition to the required category valueset, this element allows various categorization schemes based on the owner’s definition of the category and effectively multiple categories can be used at once. The level of granularity is defined by the category concepts in the value set.

              Control0..1
              BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationCategoryCodes
              (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category)

              Codes for high level observation categories.

              TypeCodeableConcept
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Requirements

              Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              28. Observation.category.id
              Definition

              Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

              ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
              Control0..1
              Typestring
              Is Modifierfalse
              XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
              Summaryfalse
              30. Observation.category.extension
              Definition

              May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

              ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
              Comments

              There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

              Control0..*
              TypeExtension
              Is Modifierfalse
              Summaryfalse
              Alternate Namesextensions, user content
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
              SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
              • value @ url
              • 32. Observation.category.coding
                Definition

                A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

                ShortCode defined by a terminology system
                Comments

                Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

                Control1..*
                TypeCoding
                Is Modifierfalse
                Summarytrue
                Requirements

                Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.coding. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                • value @ code
                • 34. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history
                  Slice NameFixed_social-history
                  Definition

                  Social History

                  ShortSocial History
                  Comments

                  Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

                  Control1..1
                  TypeCoding
                  Is Modifierfalse
                  Summarytrue
                  Requirements

                  Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                  36. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.id
                  Definition

                  Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                  ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                  Control0..1
                  Typestring
                  Is Modifierfalse
                  XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                  Summaryfalse
                  38. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.extension
                  Definition

                  May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                  ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                  Comments

                  There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                  Control0..*
                  TypeExtension
                  Is Modifierfalse
                  Summaryfalse
                  Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                  ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                  SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.coding.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                  • value @ url
                  • 40. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.system
                    Definition

                    The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

                    ShortIdentity of the terminology system
                    Comments

                    The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

                    Control1..1
                    Typeuri
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                    Summarytrue
                    Requirements

                    Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

                    Fixed Valuehttp://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    42. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.version
                    Definition

                    The version of the code system which was used when choosing this code. Note that a well-maintained code system does not need the version reported, because the meaning of codes is consistent across versions. However this cannot consistently be assured, and when the meaning is not guaranteed to be consistent, the version SHOULD be exchanged.

                    ShortVersion of the system - if relevant
                    Comments

                    Where the terminology does not clearly define what string should be used to identify code system versions, the recommendation is to use the date (expressed in FHIR date format) on which that version was officially published as the version date.

                    NoteThis is a business version Id, not a resource version Id (see discussion)
                    Control0..1
                    Typestring
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                    Summarytrue
                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    44. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.code
                    Definition

                    A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

                    ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
                    Control1..1
                    Typecode
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                    Summarytrue
                    Requirements

                    Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

                    Fixed Valuesocial-history
                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    46. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.display
                    Definition

                    A representation of the meaning of the code in the system, following the rules of the system.

                    ShortRepresentation defined by the system
                    Control0..1
                    Typestring
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                    Summarytrue
                    Requirements

                    Need to be able to carry a human-readable meaning of the code for readers that do not know the system.

                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    48. Observation.category.coding:Fixed_social-history.userSelected
                    Definition

                    Indicates that this coding was chosen by a user directly - e.g. off a pick list of available items (codes or displays).

                    ShortIf this coding was chosen directly by the user
                    Comments

                    Amongst a set of alternatives, a directly chosen code is the most appropriate starting point for new translations. There is some ambiguity about what exactly 'directly chosen' implies, and trading partner agreement may be needed to clarify the use of this element and its consequences more completely.

                    Control0..1
                    Typeboolean
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                    Summarytrue
                    Requirements

                    This has been identified as a clinical safety criterium - that this exact system/code pair was chosen explicitly, rather than inferred by the system based on some rules or language processing.

                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    50. Observation.category.text
                    Definition

                    A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

                    ShortPlain text representation of the concept
                    Comments

                    Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

                    Control0..1
                    Typestring
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                    Summarytrue
                    Requirements

                    The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    52. Observation.code
                    Definition

                    Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "name".

                    ShortType of observation (code / type)
                    Comments

                    All code-value and, if present, component.code-component.value pairs need to be taken into account to correctly understand the meaning of the observation.

                    Control1..1
                    BindingFor example codes, see LOINCCodes
                    (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes)

                    Codes identifying names of simple observations.

                    TypeCodeableConcept
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Summarytrue
                    Requirements

                    Knowing what kind of observation is being made is essential to understanding the observation.

                    Alternate NamesName
                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    54. Observation.code.id
                    Definition

                    Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                    ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                    Control0..1
                    Typestring
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                    Summaryfalse
                    56. Observation.code.extension
                    Definition

                    May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                    ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                    Comments

                    There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                    Control0..*
                    TypeExtension
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Summaryfalse
                    Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                    SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.code.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                    • value @ url
                    • 58. Observation.code.coding
                      Definition

                      A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

                      ShortCode defined by a terminology system
                      Comments

                      Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

                      Control1..*
                      TypeCoding
                      Is Modifierfalse
                      Summarytrue
                      Requirements

                      Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                      SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.code.coding. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                      • value @ code
                      • 60. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2
                        Slice NameFixed_74165-2
                        Definition

                        History of employment status NIOSH

                        ShortHistory of employment status NIOSH
                        Comments

                        Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

                        Control1..1
                        TypeCoding
                        Is Modifierfalse
                        Summarytrue
                        Requirements

                        Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                        62. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.id
                        Definition

                        Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                        ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                        Control0..1
                        Typestring
                        Is Modifierfalse
                        XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                        Summaryfalse
                        64. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.extension
                        Definition

                        May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                        ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                        Comments

                        There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                        Control0..*
                        TypeExtension
                        Is Modifierfalse
                        Summaryfalse
                        Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                        ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                        SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.code.coding.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                        • value @ url
                        • 66. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.system
                          Definition

                          The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

                          ShortIdentity of the terminology system
                          Comments

                          The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

                          Control1..1
                          Typeuri
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

                          Fixed Valuehttp://loinc.org
                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          68. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.version
                          Definition

                          The version of the code system which was used when choosing this code. Note that a well-maintained code system does not need the version reported, because the meaning of codes is consistent across versions. However this cannot consistently be assured, and when the meaning is not guaranteed to be consistent, the version SHOULD be exchanged.

                          ShortVersion of the system - if relevant
                          Comments

                          Where the terminology does not clearly define what string should be used to identify code system versions, the recommendation is to use the date (expressed in FHIR date format) on which that version was officially published as the version date.

                          NoteThis is a business version Id, not a resource version Id (see discussion)
                          Control0..1
                          Typestring
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                          Summarytrue
                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          70. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.code
                          Definition

                          A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

                          ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
                          Control1..1
                          Typecode
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

                          Fixed Value74165-2
                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          72. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.display
                          Definition

                          A representation of the meaning of the code in the system, following the rules of the system.

                          ShortRepresentation defined by the system
                          Control0..1
                          Typestring
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          Need to be able to carry a human-readable meaning of the code for readers that do not know the system.

                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          74. Observation.code.coding:Fixed_74165-2.userSelected
                          Definition

                          Indicates that this coding was chosen by a user directly - e.g. off a pick list of available items (codes or displays).

                          ShortIf this coding was chosen directly by the user
                          Comments

                          Amongst a set of alternatives, a directly chosen code is the most appropriate starting point for new translations. There is some ambiguity about what exactly 'directly chosen' implies, and trading partner agreement may be needed to clarify the use of this element and its consequences more completely.

                          Control0..1
                          Typeboolean
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          This has been identified as a clinical safety criterium - that this exact system/code pair was chosen explicitly, rather than inferred by the system based on some rules or language processing.

                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          76. Observation.code.text
                          Definition

                          A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

                          ShortPlain text representation of the concept
                          Comments

                          Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

                          Control0..1
                          Typestring
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          78. Observation.subject
                          Definition

                          The subject of an observation.

                          ShortThe subject of an observation
                          Comments

                          One would expect this element to be a cardinality of 1..1. The only circumstance in which the subject can be missing is when the observation is made by a device that does not know the patient. In this case, the observation SHALL be matched to a patient through some context/channel matching technique, and at this point, the observation should be updated.

                          Control1..1
                          TypeReference(Patient)
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          Observations have no value if you don't know who or what they're about.

                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          80. Observation.focus
                          Definition

                          The actual focus of an observation when it is not the patient of record representing something or someone associated with the patient such as a spouse, parent, fetus, or donor. For example, fetus observations in a mother's record. The focus of an observation could also be an existing condition, an intervention, the subject's diet, another observation of the subject, or a body structure such as tumor or implanted device. An example use case would be using the Observation resource to capture whether the mother is trained to change her child's tracheostomy tube. In this example, the child is the patient of record and the mother is the focus.

                          ShortWhat the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
                          Comments

                          Typically, an observation is made about the subject - a patient, or group of patients, location, or device - and the distinction between the subject and what is directly measured for an observation is specified in the observation code itself ( e.g., "Blood Glucose") and does not need to be represented separately using this element. Use specimen if a reference to a specimen is required. If a code is required instead of a resource use either bodysite for bodysites or the standard extension focusCode.

                          Control0..0
                          TypeReference(Resource)
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Summarytrue
                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          82. Observation.encounter
                          Definition

                          The healthcare event (e.g. a patient and healthcare provider interaction) during which this observation is made.

                          ShortHealthcare event during which this observation is made
                          Comments

                          This will typically be the encounter the event occurred within, but some events may be initiated prior to or after the official completion of an encounter but still be tied to the context of the encounter (e.g. pre-admission laboratory tests).

                          Control0..1
                          TypeReference(Encounter)
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          For some observations it may be important to know the link between an observation and a particular encounter.

                          Alternate NamesContext
                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          84. Observation.effective[x]
                          Definition

                          The time or time-period the observed value is asserted as being true. For biological subjects - e.g. human patients - this is usually called the "physiologically relevant time". This is usually either the time of the procedure or of specimen collection, but very often the source of the date/time is not known, only the date/time itself.

                          ShortClinically relevant time/time-period for observation
                          Comments

                          At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

                          Control0..1
                          TypeChoice of: dateTime, Period, Timing, instant
                          [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                          Summarytrue
                          Requirements

                          Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

                          Alternate NamesOccurrence
                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                          SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.effective[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                          • type @ $this
                          • 86. Observation.effective[x]:effectivePeriod
                            Slice NameeffectivePeriod
                            Definition

                            The time period the employment status addresses. If the employment is current, the ending time of the time period should be omitted.

                            ShortThe time period the employment status addresses. If the employment is current, the ending time of the time period should be omitted.
                            Comments

                            At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

                            Control0..1
                            TypePeriod
                            [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                            Is Modifierfalse
                            Summarytrue
                            Requirements

                            Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

                            Alternate NamesOccurrence
                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                            88. Observation.issued
                            Definition

                            The date and time this version of the observation was made available to providers, typically after the results have been reviewed and verified.

                            ShortDate/Time this version was made available
                            Comments

                            For Observations that don’t require review and verification, it may be the same as the lastUpdated time of the resource itself. For Observations that do require review and verification for certain updates, it might not be the same as the lastUpdated time of the resource itself due to a non-clinically significant update that doesn’t require the new version to be reviewed and verified again.

                            Control0..1
                            Typeinstant
                            Is Modifierfalse
                            Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                            Summarytrue
                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                            90. Observation.performer
                            Definition

                            Who was responsible for asserting the observed value as "true".

                            ShortWho is responsible for the observation
                            Control0..*
                            TypeReference(Practitioner, Organization, Patient, RelatedPerson)
                            Is Modifierfalse
                            Summarytrue
                            Requirements

                            May give a degree of confidence in the observation and also indicates where follow-up questions should be directed.

                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                            92. Observation.value[x]
                            Definition

                            The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

                            ShortActual result
                            Comments

                            An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                            Control0..1
                            This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7
                            TypeChoice of: Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period
                            [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                            Is Modifierfalse
                            Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                            Summarytrue
                            Requirements

                            An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                            SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.value[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                            • type @ $this
                            • 94. Observation.value[x]:valueCodeableConcept
                              Slice NamevalueCodeableConcept
                              Definition

                              A person's employment status as defined by compensation and sector (e.g. paid vs. unpaid, self-employed vs. not self-employed, government vs. private, etc.).

                              ShortA person's employment status as defined by compensation and sector (e.g. paid vs. unpaid, self-employed vs. not self-employed, government vs. private, etc.)
                              Comments

                              An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                              Control0..1
                              This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7
                              BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from employmentStatusODH
                              (required to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v3-employmentStatusODH)
                              TypeCodeableConcept
                              [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summarytrue
                              Requirements

                              An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              96. Observation.dataAbsentReason
                              Definition

                              Provides a reason why the expected value in the element Observation.value[x] is missing.

                              ShortWhy the result is missing
                              Comments

                              Null or exceptional values can be represented two ways in FHIR Observations. One way is to simply include them in the value set and represent the exceptions in the value. For example, measurement values for a serology test could be "detected", "not detected", "inconclusive", or "specimen unsatisfactory".

                              The alternate way is to use the value element for actual observations and use the explicit dataAbsentReason element to record exceptional values. For example, the dataAbsentReason code "error" could be used when the measurement was not completed. Note that an observation may only be reported if there are values to report. For example differential cell counts values may be reported only when > 0. Because of these options, use-case agreements are required to interpret general observations for null or exceptional values.

                              Control0..0
                              This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-6
                              BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from DataAbsentReason
                              (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason)

                              Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

                              TypeCodeableConcept
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Requirements

                              For many results it is necessary to handle exceptional values in measurements.

                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              98. Observation.interpretation
                              Definition

                              A categorical assessment of an observation value. For example, high, low, normal.

                              ShortHigh, low, normal, etc.
                              Comments

                              Historically used for laboratory results (known as 'abnormal flag' ), its use extends to other use cases where coded interpretations are relevant. Often reported as one or more simple compact codes this element is often placed adjacent to the result value in reports and flow sheets to signal the meaning/normalcy status of the result.

                              Control0..1
                              BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from ObservationInterpretationCodes
                              (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation)

                              Codes identifying interpretations of observations.

                              TypeCodeableConcept
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Requirements

                              For some results, particularly numeric results, an interpretation is necessary to fully understand the significance of a result.

                              Alternate NamesAbnormal Flag
                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              100. Observation.note
                              Definition

                              Comments about the observation or the results.

                              ShortComments about the observation
                              Comments

                              May include general statements about the observation, or statements about significant, unexpected or unreliable results values, or information about its source when relevant to its interpretation.

                              Control0..*
                              TypeAnnotation
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Requirements

                              Need to be able to provide free text additional information.

                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              102. Observation.bodySite
                              Definition

                              Indicates the site on the subject's body where the observation was made (i.e. the target site).

                              ShortObserved body part
                              Comments

                              Only used if not implicit in code found in Observation.code. In many systems, this may be represented as a related observation instead of an inline component.

                              If the use case requires BodySite to be handled as a separate resource (e.g. to identify and track separately) then use the standard extension bodySite.

                              Control0..0
                              BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from SNOMEDCTBodyStructures
                              (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site)

                              Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.

                              TypeCodeableConcept
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              104. Observation.method
                              Definition

                              Indicates the mechanism used to perform the observation.

                              ShortHow it was done
                              Comments

                              Only used if not implicit in code for Observation.code.

                              Control0..0
                              BindingFor example codes, see ObservationMethods
                              (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods)

                              Methods for simple observations.

                              TypeCodeableConcept
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Requirements

                              In some cases, method can impact results and is thus used for determining whether results can be compared or determining significance of results.

                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              106. Observation.specimen
                              Definition

                              The specimen that was used when this observation was made.

                              ShortSpecimen used for this observation
                              Comments

                              Should only be used if not implicit in code found in Observation.code. Observations are not made on specimens themselves; they are made on a subject, but in many cases by the means of a specimen. Note that although specimens are often involved, they are not always tracked and reported explicitly. Also note that observation resources may be used in contexts that track the specimen explicitly (e.g. Diagnostic Report).

                              Control0..0
                              TypeReference(Specimen)
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              108. Observation.device
                              Definition

                              The device used to generate the observation data.

                              Short(Measurement) Device
                              Comments

                              Note that this is not meant to represent a device involved in the transmission of the result, e.g., a gateway. Such devices may be documented using the Provenance resource where relevant.

                              Control0..0
                              TypeReference(Device)
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              110. Observation.referenceRange
                              Definition

                              Guidance on how to interpret the value by comparison to a normal or recommended range. Multiple reference ranges are interpreted as an "OR". In other words, to represent two distinct target populations, two referenceRange elements would be used.

                              ShortProvides guide for interpretation
                              Comments

                              Most observations only have one generic reference range. Systems MAY choose to restrict to only supplying the relevant reference range based on knowledge about the patient (e.g., specific to the patient's age, gender, weight and other factors), but this might not be possible or appropriate. Whenever more than one reference range is supplied, the differences between them SHOULD be provided in the reference range and/or age properties.

                              Control0..0
                              TypeBackboneElement
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summaryfalse
                              Requirements

                              Knowing what values are considered "normal" can help evaluate the significance of a particular result. Need to be able to provide multiple reference ranges for different contexts.

                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text (low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists())
                              121. Observation.hasMember
                              Definition

                              This observation is a group observation (e.g. a battery, a panel of tests, a set of vital sign measurements) that includes the target as a member of the group.

                              ShortRelated resource that belongs to the Observation group
                              Comments

                              When using this element, an observation will typically have either a value or a set of related resources, although both may be present in some cases. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below. Note that a system may calculate results from QuestionnaireResponse into a final score and represent the score as an Observation.

                              Control0..0
                              TypeReference(Observation, QuestionnaireResponse, MolecularSequence)
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summarytrue
                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              123. Observation.derivedFrom
                              Definition

                              The target resource that represents a measurement from which this observation value is derived. For example, a calculated anion gap or a fetal measurement based on an ultrasound image.

                              ShortRelated measurements the observation is made from
                              Comments

                              All the reference choices that are listed in this element can represent clinical observations and other measurements that may be the source for a derived value. The most common reference will be another Observation. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below.

                              Control0..*
                              TypeReference(DocumentReference, Media, QuestionnaireResponse, Observation)
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summarytrue
                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              125. Observation.component
                              Definition

                              Some observations have multiple component observations. These component observations are expressed as separate code value pairs that share the same attributes. Examples include systolic and diastolic component observations for blood pressure measurement and multiple component observations for genetics observations.

                              ShortComponent results
                              Comments

                              For a discussion on the ways Observations can be assembled in groups together see Notes below.

                              Control0..0
                              TypeBackboneElement
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Summarytrue
                              Requirements

                              Component observations share the same attributes in the Observation resource as the primary observation and are always treated a part of a single observation (they are not separable). However, the reference range for the primary observation value is not inherited by the component values and is required when appropriate for each component observation.

                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))