LOINC Code 60591-5: Patient summary Document

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 Patient summary. It is commonly used with the system or sample type ^Patient.

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

• Patient summary Document
• Patient summary
• This document is a concise clinical document that provides an electronic, pre-defined patient health data set applicable both for unexpected, as well as expected (planned), health care contact. This document may be either the product of a medical act or an automatic excerpt from national/regional EHRs. A Patient Summary gives a healthcare provider the essential information needed for health care coordination and, in cases of an unexpected need or when the patient consults a provider other than his regular contact person (e.g. the general practitioner he/she is registered with), this document enables continuity of care. Because it is meant to be a summary, this document might not include a detailed medical history, details on clinical conditions or a full list of all prescriptions and dispensed medicines.
• DOC.MISC; Document; Finding; Findings; MISC; Point in time; Random

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

Frequently asked questions