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  1. FHIR Specification Feedback
  2. FHIR-19249

Boundary clarification for DiagnosticReport (vs DocumentReference)

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    • Icon: Change Request Change Request
    • Resolution: Persuasive with Modification
    • Icon: Medium Medium
    • FHIR Core (FHIR)
    • STU3
    • Orders & Observations
    • DiagnosticReport
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      Given the work done for FHIR-19250 and recent discussions, we will adjust the DiagnosticReport boundary discussions between DiagnosticReport and DocumentReference to read

      A DiagnosticReport has overlapping characteristics with DocumentReference. The DiagnosticReport is appropriate to reflect a set of discrete results (Observations) and associated contextual details for a specific report, and within those results any further structure within the Observation instances, while a DocumentReference typically reflects a non-FHIR object (e.g., an existing C-CDA document, a scan of a drivers license, or narrative note). There is some overlap potential, such as a scan of a CBC report that can either be referenced via a DocumentReference, or included in a DiagnosticReport as a representedForm together with the structured, discrete data. In some cases, a single in-system entity may be represented as both resources if they provide relevant metadata or workflow-specific attributes. Specific implementation guides would further clarify which approach is more appropriate.

      In the Boundaries and Relationships section of DocumentReference, we will replace the last sentence with the following:

      In some cases, a single in-system entity may be represented as both resources if they provide relevant metadata or workflow-specific attributes. Specific implementation guides would further clarify which approach is more appropriate.

       

       

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      Given the work done for FHIR-19250 and recent discussions, we will adjust the DiagnosticReport boundary discussions between DiagnosticReport and DocumentReference to read A DiagnosticReport has overlapping characteristics with DocumentReference. The DiagnosticReport is appropriate to reflect a set of discrete results (Observations) and associated contextual details for a specific report, and within those results any further structure within the Observation instances, while a DocumentReference typically reflects a non-FHIR object (e.g., an existing C-CDA document, a scan of a drivers license, or narrative note). There is some overlap potential, such as a scan of a CBC report that can either be referenced via a DocumentReference, or included in a DiagnosticReport as a representedForm together with the structured, discrete data. In some cases, a single in-system entity may be represented as both resources if they provide relevant metadata or workflow-specific attributes. Specific implementation guides would further clarify which approach is more appropriate. In the Boundaries and Relationships section of DocumentReference, we will replace the last sentence with the following: In some cases, a single in-system entity may be represented as both resources if they provide relevant metadata or workflow-specific attributes. Specific implementation guides would further clarify which approach is more appropriate.    
    • Dan Rutz / Rob Hausam : 5 - 0 - 0
    • Enhancement
    • Non-substantive
    • R6

    Description

      Following the Baltimore connectathon and PC/SD joint meeting on Tues Q2, this tracker is being logged to request an update to the DiagnosticReport boundaries section.

      Refer to the attached PPT and Excel spreadsheet to view the Venn diagram illustrating that there is overlap between DocumentReference and DiagnosticReport. For example, a scanned CBC report could be considered both a DocumentReference (since it was a scanned document) as well as a DiagnosticReport (due to the document type / contents).

      As such, the ask is to clearly articulate in the specification that overlap exists. If a client is querying to get all Lab Reports, Radiology Reports, or Cardiology Reports using DiagnosticReport alone, then they might miss those reports that are only exposed as a DocumentReference. Likewise, if a client is querying to get all documents available, then they might miss those documents that were exposed via DiagnosticReport only.

      A tracker will also be logged to update the clinical safety checklist as well as the DocumentReference boundaries. This tracker is focused only on DiagnosticReport's boundaries.

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            jdlnolen John D.L. Nolen
            michelle.m.miller Michelle Miller
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              Updated:
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