Comment:

Existing wording: The laterality element is part of BodyLocation, a flexible structure that allows the location to be determined by a single code, or a code plus laterality and/or orientation. The body location can also be specified in relation to one or more body landmarks. SNOMED CT is used in all cases.

Laterality needs to be a separate required (Must Be Supported) element because laterality is generally not precoordinated with SNOMED body site. The way it is currently represented, it may often be missing if is not precoordinated as part of the SNOMED code. Cancer registries need the laterality to determine the number of primary tumors a patient has. Required for cancer incidence/cancer counts

Summary:

Laterality separate required element