LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 78020-5: Admission priority [NHCS]

78020-5 is a LOINC code used to identify Admission priority [NHCS] 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 Admission priority. 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 Admission priority. 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: NHCS

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

Admission priority [NHCS]
Admission priority
The type of admission, which is an indication of how quickly the patient needs clinical intervention or resuscitation. This term was created for, but not limited in use to, the Priority (Type) of Admission or Visit in the HL7 Implementation Guide for CDA® Release 2National Health Care Surveys Release 1.
Admit priority; Ordinal; Point in time; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen; Survey; SURVEY.NHCS; Typ

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

Admission priority [NHCS]Admission prioritySURVEY.NHCSTypePt^PatientOrd

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code78020-5
SystemLOINC
Display nameAdmission priority [NHCS]
DescriptionAdmission priority
ComponentAdmission priority
PropertyType
TimingPt
System (specimen)^Patient
ScaleOrd
MethodNHCS
ClassSURVEY.NHCS
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

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

Part names

Admission priorityTypePt^PatientOrdNHCSPoint 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.

LOINC Code 78020-5 | HealthAssure