Health Connect Australia Provider Directory FHIR Implementation Guide, published by Australian Digital Health Agency. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 26.0.0 built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/AuDigitalHealth/HCPD/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Extension: Alternate_Name - Detailed Descriptions

Active as of 2026-11-03

Definitions for the alternate-name extension.

See the documentation on how to interpret the contents of this table

0. Extension
Definition

A name by which a practitioner chooses to be known in the context of the delivery of a specific healthcare service. This may differ from their registered legal name.


Optional Extension Element - found in all resources.

ShortAlternate name for practitioner in role contextOptional Extensions Element
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
Is Modifierfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
2. Extension.extension
Definition

An Extension


May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

ShortExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..0*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Extension.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
4. Extension.url
Definition

Source of the definition for the extension code - a logical name or a URL.

Shortidentifies the meaning of the extension
Comments

The definition may point directly to a computable or human-readable definition of the extensibility codes, or it may be a logical URI as declared in some other specification. The definition SHALL be a URI for the Structure Definition defining the extension.

Control1..1
Typeuri
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
Fixed Value
{
  "url" : "http://digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/cc/StructureDefinition/alternate-name"
}
<url value="http://digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/cc/StructureDefinition/alternate-name"/>
6. Extension.value[x]
Definition

The alternate name by which the practitioner wishes to be known in this role context.


Value of extension - must be one of a constrained set of the data types (see Extensibility for a list).

ShortAlternate nameValue of extension
Control10..1
TypeHumanName, date, Meta, Address, Attachment, integer, Count, DataRequirement, Dosage, uuid, Identifier, Coding, SampledData, id, positiveInt, Distance, Period, Duration, canonical, Range, RelatedArtifact, base64Binary, UsageContext, Timing, decimal, CodeableConcept, ParameterDefinition, dateTime, code, string, Contributor, oid, instant, ContactPoint, Money, markdown, Ratio, Age, Reference, TriggerDefinition, Quantity, uri, url, Annotation, ContactDetail, boolean, Expression, Signature, unsignedInt, time
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
8. Extension.value[x].use
Definition

Identifies the purpose for this name.

Shortusual | official | temp | nickname | anonymous | old | maiden
Comments

Applications can assume that a name is current unless it explicitly says that it is temporary or old.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from NameUsehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/name-use|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/name-use|4.0.1)

The use of a human name.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary or old name etc.for a current/permanent one
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the appropriate name for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of names.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
10. Extension.value[x].family
Definition

The part of a name that links to the genealogy. In some cultures (e.g. Eritrea) the family name of a son is the first name of his father.

ShortFamily name (often called 'Surname')
Comments

Family Name may be decomposed into specific parts using extensions (de, nl, es related cultures).

Control0..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Alternate Namessurname
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
12. Extension.value[x].given
Definition

Given name.

ShortGiven names (not always 'first'). Includes middle names
Comments

If only initials are recorded, they may be used in place of the full name parts. Initials may be separated into multiple given names but often aren't due to paractical limitations. This element is not called "first name" since given names do not always come first.

Control0..*
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Alternate Namesfirst name, middle name
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))

See the documentation on how to interpret the contents of this table

0. Extension
Definition

A name by which a practitioner chooses to be known in the context of the delivery of a specific healthcare service. This may differ from their registered legal name.

ShortAlternate name for practitioner in role context
2. Extension.extension
Control0..0
4. Extension.url
Fixed Value
{
  "url" : "http://digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/cc/StructureDefinition/alternate-name"
}
<url value="http://digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/cc/StructureDefinition/alternate-name"/>
6. Extension.value[x]
Definition

The alternate name by which the practitioner wishes to be known in this role context.

ShortAlternate name
Control1..?
TypeHumanName, date, Meta, Address, Attachment, integer, Count, DataRequirement, Dosage, uuid, Identifier, Coding, SampledData, id, positiveInt, Distance, Period, Duration, canonical, Range, RelatedArtifact, base64Binary, UsageContext, Timing, decimal, CodeableConcept, ParameterDefinition, dateTime, code, string, Contributor, oid, instant, ContactPoint, Money, markdown, Ratio, Age, Reference, TriggerDefinition, Quantity, uri, url, Annotation, ContactDetail, boolean, Expression, Signature, unsignedInt, time
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
8. Extension.value[x].use
Must Supporttrue
10. Extension.value[x].family
Must Supporttrue
12. Extension.value[x].given
Must Supporttrue

See the documentation on how to interpret the contents of this table

0. Extension
Definition

A name by which a practitioner chooses to be known in the context of the delivery of a specific healthcare service. This may differ from their registered legal name.

ShortAlternate name for practitioner in role context
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
Is Modifierfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
2. Extension.id
Definition

Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
Control0..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
4. Extension.extension
Definition

An Extension

ShortExtension
Control0..0
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Extension.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
6. Extension.url
Definition

Source of the definition for the extension code - a logical name or a URL.

Shortidentifies the meaning of the extension
Comments

The definition may point directly to a computable or human-readable definition of the extensibility codes, or it may be a logical URI as declared in some other specification. The definition SHALL be a URI for the Structure Definition defining the extension.

Control1..1
Typeuri
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
Fixed Value
{
  "url" : "http://digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/cc/StructureDefinition/alternate-name"
}
<url value="http://digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/cc/StructureDefinition/alternate-name"/>
8. Extension.value[x]
Definition

The alternate name by which the practitioner wishes to be known in this role context.

ShortAlternate name
Control1..1
TypeHumanName
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
10. Extension.value[x].id
Definition

Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
Control0..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
12. Extension.value[x].extension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Extension.value[x].extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
14. Extension.value[x].use
Definition

Identifies the purpose for this name.

Shortusual | official | temp | nickname | anonymous | old | maiden
Comments

Applications can assume that a name is current unless it explicitly says that it is temporary or old.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from NameUse
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/name-use|4.0.1)

The use of a human name.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary or old name etc.for a current/permanent one
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the appropriate name for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of names.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
16. Extension.value[x].text
Definition

Specifies the entire name as it should be displayed e.g. on an application UI. This may be provided instead of or as well as the specific parts.

ShortText representation of the full name
Comments

Can provide both a text representation and parts. Applications updating a name SHALL ensure that when both text and parts are present, no content is included in the text that isn't found in a part.

Control0..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

A renderable, unencoded form.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
18. Extension.value[x].family
Definition

The part of a name that links to the genealogy. In some cultures (e.g. Eritrea) the family name of a son is the first name of his father.

ShortFamily name (often called 'Surname')
Comments

Family Name may be decomposed into specific parts using extensions (de, nl, es related cultures).

Control0..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Alternate Namessurname
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
20. Extension.value[x].given
Definition

Given name.

ShortGiven names (not always 'first'). Includes middle names
Comments

If only initials are recorded, they may be used in place of the full name parts. Initials may be separated into multiple given names but often aren't due to paractical limitations. This element is not called "first name" since given names do not always come first.

Control0..*
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Alternate Namesfirst name, middle name
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
22. Extension.value[x].prefix
Definition

Part of the name that is acquired as a title due to academic, legal, employment or nobility status, etc. and that appears at the start of the name.

ShortParts that come before the name
Control0..*
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. Extension.value[x].suffix
Definition

Part of the name that is acquired as a title due to academic, legal, employment or nobility status, etc. and that appears at the end of the name.

ShortParts that come after the name
Control0..*
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
26. Extension.value[x].period
Definition

Indicates the period of time when this name was valid for the named person.

ShortTime period when name was/is in use
Control0..1
TypePeriod
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows names to be placed in historical context.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))