Question: Diagnostic reports in CCDA documents

Mar 12, 2013

Questions: 1. What is the maximum number of clinical lab tests  that can be included in any C-CDA summary?

  1. Is the HL7 2.5.1 (or higher) messaging standard used to transfer the lab test results data?
  2. Can the C-CDA currently transfer the results of imaging or other kinds of diagnostic tests?
  3. How are the C-CDA test results displayed in the style sheet for viewing and sharing by physicians and patients?

Answers:

1. What is the maximum number of clinical lab tests  that can be included in any C-CDA summary?

There’s no theoretical limit, but there are practical considerations around how big the CDA document can get. The principle limit relates to how long the document takes to render.

2. Is the HL7 2.5.1 (or higher) messaging standard used to transfer the lab test results data?

Not in CDA. A different form is used, using CDA observations and battery organizers. Converting from v2 to CDA is relatively straightforward in theory, if the v2 messages are well constructed, but the variation in source messages is always a challenge.

3. Can the C-CDA currently transfer the results of imaging or other kinds of diagnostic tests?

Yes - see template 2.16.840.1.113883.10.20.22.1.5. This is the report (the interpretation) but it can include images as required using ObservationMedia

4. How are the C-CDA test results displayed in the style sheet for viewing and sharing by physicians and patients?

Well, that depends on what the source system puts in the narrative (assuming that the document narrative is displayed. If it’s not, then it’s entirely up to the receiving system to decide how it’s displayed, like with a v2 message).