LOINCActive

LOINC Code 21938-6: Surgical approach

21938-6 is a LOINC code used to identify Surgical approach in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Surgical approach. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Surgical procedure.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Surgical approach. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Surgical procedure.

When is it used?

  • Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
  • May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
  • Status: ACTIVE

What it does not mean

  • The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

  • Surgical approach
  • The method used to approach the site of surgery.
  • Nominal; Oncology; Point in time; Random; Surg; TUMOR REGISTRY(NAACCR); Typ

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Common synonyms

Surgical approachTUMRRGTTypePtSurgical procedureNomPoint in time (spot)

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code21938-6
SystemLOINC
Display nameSurgical approach
Short nameSurgical approach
ComponentSurgical approach
PropertyType
TimingPt
System (specimen)Surgical procedure
ScaleNom
ClassTUMRRGT
StatusACTIVE

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released1.0m
Last changed2.72

Part names

Surgical approachTypePtSurgical procedureNomPoint in time (spot)Surgery

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

LOINC Code 21938-6 | HealthAssure