LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 78030-4: Episode of care Type

78030-4 is a LOINC code used to identify Episode of care Type 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 Type of encounter. 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 Type of encounter. 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

Episode of care Type
Type of encounter
Indicates whether a patient's visit is an initial or follow-visit. An episode of care begins with the initial visit for care for a particular problem and ends when the patient is no longer continuing treatment. An initial visit may be diagnostic in nature whereas a follow-up visit may be to check progress or continue therapy. This term was created for, but not limited in use to, the Episode of Care observation in the HL7 Implementation Guide for CDA® Release 2National Health Care Surveys Release 1.
Nominal; Point in time; Random; 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

Episode of care TypeType of encounterSURVEY.NHCSTypePt^PatientNom

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code78030-4
SystemLOINC
Display nameEpisode of care Type
DescriptionType of encounter
ComponentType of encounter
PropertyType
TimingPt
System (specimen)^Patient
ScaleNom
ClassSURVEY.NHCS
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.52
Last changed2.70

Part names

Type of encounterTypePt^PatientNomPoint 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 78030-4 | HealthAssure