LOINC Code 77551-0: Total number of patient encounters in a reporting period [NMMDS]

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 All patient encounters. It is commonly used with the system or sample type {Nursing unit}.

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: NMMDS

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

• Total number of patient encounters in a reporting period [NMMDS]
• All patient encounters
• Total number of encounters for reporting period. An encounter is an interaction between a nursing staff/provider and a client for the direct provision of health care service(s).
• Cnt; Count; Number; Nursing Management Minimum Data Set; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Report period; Survey; SURVEY.NMMDS

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