LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 76426-6: Start date for episode of care

76426-6 is a LOINC code used to identify Start date for episode of care 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 Start date for episode of care. 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 Start date for episode of care. 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

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

  • Start date for episode of care
  • APTA; EOC; Physical Therapy; Point in time; PT; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Start date episode of care; Started

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

Start date for episode of careStart date episode of careAPTADatePt^PatientQn

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code76426-6
SystemLOINC
Display nameStart date for episode of care
Short nameStart date episode of care
ComponentStart date for episode of care
PropertyDate
TimingPt
System (specimen)^Patient
ScaleQn
ClassAPTA
Example unitsMMDDYY
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.52
Last changed2.56

Part names

Start date for episode of careDatePt^PatientQnPoint in time (spot)

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.