LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 71938-5: Total score [MLHFQ]

71938-5 is a LOINC code used to identify Total score [MLHFQ] 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 Total score. It is commonly used with the system or sample type ^Patient.

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 Total score. 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
  • Order vs observation: Observation
  • Method: MLHFQ

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

Total score [MLHFQ]
Total score
The total score in the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire is the sum of the responses to all 21 questions. Based on the 6-point, zero to five, Likert scale to show how much each of 21 life characteristics prevented them from living as they desired, the lower the score, the less the patient feels their heart failure is impacting their life. One study was able to identify three levels of Quality of Life (QOL) and determined that a score of less than 26 indicated a good QOL, between 26 and 45 a moderate QOL, and greater than 45 a poor QOL. [PMID19965089]
Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Scale; Scre; Survey; Tot; Totl

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

Total score [MLHFQ]Total scoreSURVEY.MLHFQScorePt^PatientQn

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code71938-5
SystemLOINC
Display nameTotal score [MLHFQ]
DescriptionTotal score
ComponentTotal score
PropertyScore
TimingPt
System (specimen)^Patient
ScaleQn
MethodMLHFQ
ClassSURVEY.MLHFQ
Example unitsscore
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.40
Last changed2.61

Part names

Total scoreScorePt^PatientQnMLHFQPoint in time (spot)Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire

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 71938-5 | HealthAssure