Terminology Fundamentals
0.1.0 - CI Build
Terminology Fundamentals
0.1.0 - CI Build
Terminology Fundamentals, published by HL7 International / Terminology Infrastructure. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 0.1.0 built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/HL7/terminology-fundamentals-ig/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions
| Page standards status: Informative |
Identifier systems are composed of non-coded strings (typically numeric or alphanumeric) that have a common purpose and/or context. They are primarily used to uniquely identify individual entities (patients, organizations, devices, documents, etc.). Each identifier value is unique within the identifier system. Unlike Code System codes, Identifier system values have no inherent meaning without its system context.
Patient IDs, lab order numbers, device serial numbers, claim IDs, etc. are all examples of local Identifier Systems. The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) system, US state driver's license number systems, and country passport number systems are examples of external Identifier Systems.