LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 96873-5: Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3 months

96873-5 is a LOINC code used to identify Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3 months 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 Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3Mo. 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 Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3Mo. 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

  • Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3 months
  • Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3Mo
  • 3 months; Drugs; Finding; Findings; Last; Mental health; MentalHealth; Nominal; Psych; Psychiatry; S prime; Survey; SURVEY.MTLHLTH

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

Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3 monthsIllegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3MoSURVEY.MTLHLTHFind3Mo^PatientNom

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code96873-5
SystemLOINC
Display nameIllegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3 months
DescriptionIllegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3Mo
ComponentIllegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3Mo
PropertyFind
Timing3Mo
System (specimen)^Patient
ScaleNom
ClassSURVEY.MTLHLTH
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

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

Part names

Illegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3MoFind3Mo^PatientNomIllegal or recreational drug(s) used in past 3 monthsFinding3 months

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.