LOINC Code 73568-8: Communication of critical results [Description] 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 Communication of critical results. 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: Both

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

• Communication of critical results [Description] Document
• Communication of critical results
• The Communication of Critical Results section includes notification to health care providers of critical or discrepant findings for a patient. The section describes the specific finding, whether it is critical or discrepant, how it was communicated (personally or notified by another approved mode of communication for critical results), who (e.g. name of reporting radiologist) communicated the findings, to whom (e.g. name of requesting provider) and when (date and time). The section also states the level of urgency (Red, Orange, Yellow, or not urgent) for the critical or discrepant result. Red indicates the finding is potentially immediately life-threatening, Orange indicates it could result in mortality/morbidity within 2-3 days, and Yellow indicates it could eventually result in mortality or morbidity if not treated.
• Comm critical results; Description; DOC.MISC; Document; 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