Regenstrief Updates LOINC with 800 Concepts for Health Data Exchange

Regenstrief Institute has issued its semiannual release of LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes), which includes updates to support health data exchange for various interoperability use cases.

LOINC is a global standard for health terminology created and maintained at Regenstrief Institute.

LOINC release 2.77 includes more than 800 new concepts and edits over 1,500 concepts.

Updates to the standard include support for data exchange of social determinants of health (SDOH), molecular genetic drug and toxicology testing, and more.

For instance, the release includes new content development with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), and Health Level Seven (HL7) International on the Standardized Medication Profile.

The project identifies and defines the components of an interoperable medication profile for clinicians, patients, and caregivers to use for the exchange of medication information during care transitions.

Regenstrief also worked with CMS to edit over 1,100 concepts associated with the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) to expand the collection and reporting of quality data to CMS.

Additionally, LOINC release 2.77 includes a survey with questions related to SDOH. Regenstrief is working with HL7 International’s Gravity Project to categorize and standardize SDOH information into EHR platforms to advance patient-centered care and more effectively address health inequities.

Additional updates in the survey and assessment domain include content on:

• Measuring trust in science and scientists and their decision-making on patient health
• The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of a household
• Unmet health needs
• Prevention of illnesses
• Child and family balance with work during the pandemic