LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 78021-3: Specialty care unit Type [NHCS]

78021-3 is a LOINC code used to identify Specialty care unit Type [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 Specialty care unit. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Hospital.

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 Specialty care unit. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Hospital.

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

Specialty care unit Type [NHCS]
Specialty care unit
The kind of hospital unit having any necessary specialized equipment and/or personnel for handling critically ill or injured patients. This term was created for, but not limited in use to, the Specialty Unit Type in the HL7 Implementation Guide for CDA® Release 2National Health Care Surveys Release 1.
Hosp; Inpatient; Nominal; Point in time; Random; Spclty; 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

Specialty care unit Type [NHCS]Specialty care unitSURVEY.NHCSTypePtHospitalNom

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code78021-3
SystemLOINC
Display nameSpecialty care unit Type [NHCS]
DescriptionSpecialty care unit
ComponentSpecialty care unit
PropertyType
TimingPt
System (specimen)Hospital
ScaleNom
MethodNHCS
ClassSURVEY.NHCS
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

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

Part names

Specialty care unitTypePtHospitalNomNHCSPoint 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 78021-3 | HealthAssure