CH Core (R4)
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CH Core (R4), published by HL7 Switzerland. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 6.0.0-ballot-ci-build built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/hl7ch/ch-core/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: CHCorePatientEPR - Detailed Descriptions

Active as of 2025-01-15

Definitions for the ch-core-patient-epr resource profile.

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

0. Patient
Definition

The CH Core Patient is based upon the core FHIR Patient Resource and designed to meet the applicable patient demographic data elements in Switzerland. See also https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/register/personenregister/registerharmonisierung/nomenklaturen.html for further information


Demographics and other administrative information about an individual or animal receiving care or other health-related services.

ShortCH Core Patient EPR (to include the patient in an EPR document)Information about an individual or animal receiving health care services
Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate NamesSubjectOfCare Client Resident
Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
ch-pat-1: If one ore more human names are provided, at least one human name should have a family and a given name. (name.where(family.exists() and given.exists()).count()>0 or name.empty())
ch-pat-2: gender 'unknown' is currently not used in Switzerland in eCH and the EPR (gender.empty() or gender!='unknown')
ch-pat-1-epr: At least one human name shall have a family and a given name. (name.where(family.exists() and given.exists()).count()>0)
2. Patient.implicitRules
Definition

A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
Comments

Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

Control0..1
Typeuri
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
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()))
4. Patient.extension:placeOfBirth
Slice NameplaceOfBirth
Definition

The registered place of birth of the patient.

ShortPlace of birth of patient
Control0..1
TypeExtension(Place of Birth according to eCH-0011) (Extension Type: Address(Address for Place of Birth))
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())
6. Patient.extension:placeOfOrigin
Slice NameplaceOfOrigin
Definition

The registered place of origin of the patient.

ShortPlace of origin(s) of patient
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeExtension(Place of Origin according to eCH-0011) (Extension Type: Choice of: base64Binary, boolean, canonical, code, date, dateTime, decimal, id, instant, integer, markdown, oid, positiveInt, string, time, unsignedInt, uri, url, uuid, Address, Age, Annotation, Attachment, CodeableConcept, Coding, ContactPoint, Count, Distance, Duration, HumanName, Identifier, Money, Period, Quantity, Range, Ratio, Reference, SampledData, Signature, Timing, ContactDetail, Contributor, DataRequirement, Expression, ParameterDefinition, RelatedArtifact, TriggerDefinition, UsageContext, Dosage, Meta)
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())
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
8. Patient.extension:citizenship
Slice Namecitizenship
Definition

The content of the country code element (if present) SHALL be selected EITHER from ValueSet ISO Country Alpha-2 http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/iso3166-1-2 OR MAY be selected from ISO Country Alpha-3 Value Set http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/iso3166-1-3, if the country is not specified in value Set ISO Country Alpha-2 http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/iso3166-1-2.

ShortCitizenship(s) of patient
Control0..*
TypeExtension(Patient Citizenship) (Complex Extension)
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())
ch-pat-3: ISO Country Alpha-2 or ISO Country Alpha-3 code (((extension.where(url='code').value.coding.code.length()=2) and extension.where(url='code').value.coding.code.memberOf('http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/iso3166-1-2')) or ((extension.where(url='code').value.coding.code.length() = 3) and extension.where(url='code').value.coding.code.memberOf('http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/iso3166-1-3')))
10. Patient.extension:religion
Slice Namereligion
Definition

The patient's professed religious affiliations.

ShortReligion of patient
Control0..1
TypeExtension(Patient Religion) (Extension Type: CodeableConcept)
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())
12. Patient.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. 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 is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
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 Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

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())
14. Patient.identifier
Definition

An identifier for this patient.

ShortAn identifier for this patient
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control10..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

Patients are almost always assigned specific numerical identifiers.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Patient.identifier. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ $this
  • 16. Patient.identifier:EPR-SPID
    Slice NameEPR-SPID
    Definition

    EPR-SPID: The Central Compensation Office (ZAS; CCO) assigns and manages the new patient identification number according to the EPRA (EPR-SPID), which is only linked internally in the CCO with the AHV number. It maintains the UPI identification database (Unique Personal Identifier Database), which the EPR communities may access. The law regulates how the the EPR-SPID can be used. SR 816.111 states (Art. 10 para. 3 EPDV) that communities must ensure that the EPR-SPID number cannot be not stored in document repositories or document registries.


    An identifier for this patient.

    ShortEPR-SPIDAn identifier for this patient
    NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
    Control0..0*
    TypeIdentifier(EPR-SPID Identifier)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Patients are almost always assigned specific numerical identifiers.

    Pattern Value{
      "system" : "urn:oid:2.16.756.5.30.1.127.3.10.3"
    }
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    18. Patient.identifier:AHVN13
    Slice NameAHVN13
    Definition

    The AHVN13 / NAVS13 - (abbreviation for new thirteen-digit Social Security number) - is an administrative identifier for natural persons in Switzerland. It is issued, announced and administered by the Central Compensation Office. It is available to all organisations and communities for which there is a legal basis.


    An identifier for this patient.

    ShortAHVN13 / NAVS13 of the patient (13 digits starting with 756, no separation points)An identifier for this patient
    NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
    Control0..0*
    TypeIdentifier(AHVN13 / NAVS13 Identifier)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Patients are almost always assigned specific numerical identifiers.

    Pattern Value{
      "system" : "urn:oid:2.16.756.5.32"
    }
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    20. Patient.identifier:LocalPid
    Slice NameLocalPid
    Definition

    An identifier for this patient.

    ShortLocal patient identifier(s)An identifier for this patient
    NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
    Control0..*
    TypeIdentifier
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Patients are almost always assigned specific numerical identifiers.

    Pattern Value{
      "type" : {
        "coding" : [{
          "system" : "http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0203",
          "code" : "MR"
        }]
      }
    }
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    22. Patient.identifier:LocalPid.use
    Definition

    The purpose of this identifier.

    Shortusual | official | temp | secondary | old (If known)
    Comments

    Applications can assume that an identifier is permanent unless it explicitly says that it is temporary.

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

    Identifies the purpose for this identifier, if known .

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

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

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    24. Patient.identifier:LocalPid.system
    Definition

    Establishes the namespace for the value - that is, a URL that describes a set values that are unique.

    ShortThe namespace for the identifier value
    Comments

    Identifier.system is always case sensitive.

    Control10..1
    Typeuri
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

    Example<br/><b>General</b>:http://www.acme.com/identifiers/patient
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    26. Patient.identifier:LocalPid.value
    Definition

    The portion of the identifier typically relevant to the user and which is unique within the context of the system.

    ShortThe value that is unique
    Comments

    If the value is a full URI, then the system SHALL be urn:ietf:rfc:3986. The value's primary purpose is computational mapping. As a result, it may be normalized for comparison purposes (e.g. removing non-significant whitespace, dashes, etc.) A value formatted for human display can be conveyed using the Rendered Value extension. Identifier.value is to be treated as case sensitive unless knowledge of the Identifier.system allows the processer to be confident that non-case-sensitive processing is safe.

    Control10..1
    Typestring
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Summarytrue
    Example<br/><b>General</b>:123456
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    28. Patient.identifier:insuranceCardNumber
    Slice NameinsuranceCardNumber
    Definition

    Cardnumber Swiss insurance card v1


    An identifier for this patient.

    ShortInsurance card number of the patient (20 digits)An identifier for this patient
    NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
    Control0..*
    TypeIdentifier(Insurance Card Number (Identifier))
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Patients are almost always assigned specific numerical identifiers.

    Pattern Value{
      "system" : "urn:oid:2.16.756.5.30.1.123.100.1.1.1"
    }
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    30. Patient.active
    Definition

    Whether this patient record is in active use. Many systems use this property to mark as non-current patients, such as those that have not been seen for a period of time based on an organization's business rules.

    It is often used to filter patient lists to exclude inactive patients

    Deceased patients may also be marked as inactive for the same reasons, but may be active for some time after death.

    ShortWhether this patient's record is in active use
    Comments

    If a record is inactive, and linked to an active record, then future patient/record updates should occur on the other patient.

    Control0..1
    Typeboolean
    Is Modifiertrue because This element is labelled as a modifier because it is a status element that can indicate that a record should not be treated as valid
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Need to be able to mark a patient record as not to be used because it was created in error.

    Meaning if MissingThis resource is generally assumed to be active if no value is provided for the active element
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    32. Patient.name
    Definition

    A name associated with the individual.

    ShortA name associated with the patient
    Comments

    A patient may have multiple names with different uses or applicable periods. For animals, the name is a "HumanName" in the sense that is assigned and used by humans and has the same patterns.

    Control10..*
    TypeHumanName(Human Name)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Need to be able to track the patient by multiple names. Examples are your official name and a partner name.

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

    A contact detail (e.g. a telephone number or an email address) by which the individual may be contacted.

    ShortA contact detail for the individual
    Comments

    A Patient may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and also to help with identification. The address might not go directly to the individual, but may reach another party that is able to proxy for the patient (i.e. home phone, or pet owner's phone).

    Control0..*
    TypeContactPoint
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    People have (primary) ways to contact them in some way such as phone, email.

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Patient.telecom. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
    • value @ system
    • 36. Patient.telecom.system
      Definition

      Telecommunications form for contact point - what communications system is required to make use of the contact.

      Shortphone | fax | email | pager | url | sms | other
      Control10..1
      This element is affected by the following invariants: cpt-2
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ContactPointSystemhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/contact-point-system|4.0.1
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/contact-point-system|4.0.1)

      Telecommunications form for contact point.

      Typecode
      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()))
      38. Patient.telecom.value
      Definition

      The actual contact point details, in a form that is meaningful to the designated communication system (i.e. phone number or email address).

      ShortThe actual contact point details
      Comments

      Additional text data such as phone extension numbers, or notes about use of the contact are sometimes included in the value.

      Control10..1
      Typestring
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Need to support legacy numbers that are not in a tightly controlled format.

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

      Identifies the purpose for the contact point.

      Shorthome | work | temp | old | mobile - purpose of this contact point
      Comments

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

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

      Use of contact point.

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

      Need to track the way a person uses this contact, so a user can choose which is appropriate for their purpose.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      42. Patient.telecom:email
      Slice Nameemail
      Definition

      A contact detail (e.g. a telephone number or an email address) by which the individual may be contacted.

      ShortA contact detail for the individual
      Comments

      A Patient may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and also to help with identification. The address might not go directly to the individual, but may reach another party that is able to proxy for the patient (i.e. home phone, or pet owner's phone).

      Control0..*
      TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Email)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      People have (primary) ways to contact them in some way such as phone, email.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      44. Patient.telecom:phone
      Slice Namephone
      Definition

      A contact detail (e.g. a telephone number or an email address) by which the individual may be contacted.

      ShortA contact detail for the individual
      Comments

      A Patient may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and also to help with identification. The address might not go directly to the individual, but may reach another party that is able to proxy for the patient (i.e. home phone, or pet owner's phone).

      Control0..*
      TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Phone)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      People have (primary) ways to contact them in some way such as phone, email.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      46. Patient.telecom:internet
      Slice Nameinternet
      Definition

      A contact detail (e.g. a telephone number or an email address) by which the individual may be contacted.

      ShortA contact detail for the individual
      Comments

      A Patient may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and also to help with identification. The address might not go directly to the individual, but may reach another party that is able to proxy for the patient (i.e. home phone, or pet owner's phone).

      Control0..*
      TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Internet)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      People have (primary) ways to contact them in some way such as phone, email.

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

      Administrative Gender - the gender that the patient is considered to have for administration and record keeping purposes.

      Shortmale | female | other | unknown* (* see warning 'ch-pat-2')
      Comments

      The gender might not match the biological sex as determined by genetics or the individual's preferred identification. Note that for both humans and particularly animals, there are other legitimate possibilities than male and female, though the vast majority of systems and contexts only support male and female. Systems providing decision support or enforcing business rules should ideally do this on the basis of Observations dealing with the specific sex or gender aspect of interest (anatomical, chromosomal, social, etc.) However, because these observations are infrequently recorded, defaulting to the administrative gender is common practice. Where such defaulting occurs, rule enforcement should allow for the variation between administrative and biological, chromosomal and other gender aspects. For example, an alert about a hysterectomy on a male should be handled as a warning or overridable error, not a "hard" error. See the Patient Gender and Sex section for additional information about communicating patient gender and sex.

      Control10..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from AdministrativeGenderhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/administrative-gender|4.0.1
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/administrative-gender|4.0.1)

      The gender of a person used for administrative purposes.

      Typecode
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Needed for identification of the individual, in combination with (at least) name and birth date.

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

      The date of birth for the individual.

      ShortThe date of birth for the individual
      Comments

      At least an estimated year should be provided as a guess if the real DOB is unknown There is a standard extension "patient-birthTime" available that should be used where Time is required (such as in maternity/infant care systems).

      Control10..1
      Typedate
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Age of the individual drives many clinical processes.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      LOINC Code21112-8
      52. Patient.deceased[x]
      Definition

      Indicates if the individual is deceased or not.

      ShortIndicates if the individual is deceased or not
      Comments

      If there's no value in the instance, it means there is no statement on whether or not the individual is deceased. Most systems will interpret the absence of a value as a sign of the person being alive.

      Control0..1
      TypeChoice of: boolean, dateTime
      [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
      Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because once a patient is marked as deceased, the actions that are appropriate to perform on the patient may be significantly different.
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      The fact that a patient is deceased influences the clinical process. Also, in human communication and relation management it is necessary to know whether the person is alive.

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

      A contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient.

      ShortA contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient
      Comments

      Contact covers all kinds of contact parties: family members, business contacts, guardians, caregivers. Not applicable to register pedigree and family ties beyond use of having contact.

      Control0..*
      TypeBackboneElement
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summaryfalse
      Requirements

      Need to track people you can contact about the patient.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
      pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
      SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Patient.contact. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
      • value @ relationship
      • 56. Patient.contact.modifierExtension
        Definition

        May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. 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. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

        Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

        ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
        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 Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

        Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
        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())
        58. Patient.contact:contact
        Slice Namecontact
        Definition

        A contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient.

        ShortContact data if it is not address of patientA contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient
        Comments

        Contact covers all kinds of contact parties: family members, business contacts, guardians, caregivers. Not applicable to register pedigree and family ties beyond use of having contact.

        Control0..1*
        TypeBackboneElement
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Need to track people you can contact about the patient.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
        pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
        60. Patient.contact:contact.modifierExtension
        Definition

        May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. 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. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

        Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

        ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
        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 Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

        Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
        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())
        62. Patient.contact:contact.relationship
        Definition

        The nature of the relationship between the patient and the contact person.

        ShortThe kind of relationship
        Control10..1*
        BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from PatientContactRelationshiphttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/patient-contactrelationship
        (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/patient-contactrelationship)

        The nature of the relationship between a patient and a contact person for that patient.

        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Used to determine which contact person is the most relevant to approach, depending on circumstances.

        Pattern Value{
          "coding" : [{
            "system" : "http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/CodeSystem/ech-11",
            "code" : "contactData"
          }]
        }
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        64. Patient.contact:contact.telecom
        Definition

        A contact detail for the person, e.g. a telephone number or an email address.

        ShortA contact detail for the person
        Comments

        Contact may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently, and also to help with identification.

        Control0..0*
        TypeContactPoint
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        People have (primary) ways to contact them in some way such as phone, email.

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

        Address for the contact person.

        ShortAddress for the contact person
        Control10..1
        TypeAddress(CH Core Postal Address)
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Need to keep track where the contact person can be contacted per postal mail or visited.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        68. Patient.contact:nameOfParent
        Slice NamenameOfParent
        Definition

        A contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient.

        ShortName of parentA contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient
        Comments

        Contact covers all kinds of contact parties: family members, business contacts, guardians, caregivers. Not applicable to register pedigree and family ties beyond use of having contact.

        Control0..*
        TypeBackboneElement
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Need to track people you can contact about the patient.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
        pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
        70. Patient.contact:nameOfParent.modifierExtension
        Definition

        May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. 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. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

        Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

        ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
        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 Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

        Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
        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())
        72. Patient.contact:nameOfParent.relationship
        Definition

        The nature of the relationship between the patient and the contact person.

        ShortThe kind of relationship
        Control10..1*
        BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from PatientContactRelationshiphttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/patient-contactrelationship
        (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/patient-contactrelationship)

        The nature of the relationship between a patient and a contact person for that patient.

        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Used to determine which contact person is the most relevant to approach, depending on circumstances.

        Pattern Value{
          "coding" : [{
            "system" : "http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v3-RoleCode",
            "code" : "PRN"
          }]
        }
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        74. Patient.contact:nameOfParent.name
        Definition

        A name associated with the contact person.

        ShortA name associated with the contact person
        Control10..1
        TypeHumanName
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Contact persons need to be identified by name, but it is uncommon to need details about multiple other names for that contact person.

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

        A language which may be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health.

        ShortA language which may be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health
        Comments

        If no language is specified, this implies that the default local language is spoken. If you need to convey proficiency for multiple modes, then you need multiple Patient.Communication associations. For animals, language is not a relevant field, and should be absent from the instance. If the Patient does not speak the default local language, then the Interpreter Required Standard can be used to explicitly declare that an interpreter is required.

        Control0..*
        TypeBackboneElement
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        If a patient does not speak the local language, interpreters may be required, so languages spoken and proficiency are important things to keep track of both for patient and other persons of interest.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Patient.communication. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
        • value @ preferred
        • 78. Patient.communication.modifierExtension
          Definition

          May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. 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. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

          Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

          ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
          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 Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

          Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
          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())
          80. Patient.communication.language
          Definition

          The ISO-639-1 alpha 2 code in lower case for the language, optionally followed by a hyphen and the ISO-3166-1 alpha 2 code for the region in upper case; e.g. "en" for English, or "en-US" for American English versus "en-EN" for England English.

          ShortThe language which can be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health
          Comments

          The structure aa-BB with this exact casing is one the most widely used notations for locale. However not all systems actually code this but instead have it as free text. Hence CodeableConcept instead of code as the data type.

          Control1..1
          BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguageshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages
          (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages)

          A human language.

          Additional BindingsPurpose
          AllLanguagesMax Binding
          TypeCodeableConcept
          Is Modifierfalse
          Summaryfalse
          Requirements

          Most systems in multilingual countries will want to convey language. Not all systems actually need the regional dialect.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          82. Patient.communication:languageOfCorrespondence
          Slice NamelanguageOfCorrespondence
          Definition

          A language which may be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health.

          ShortLanguage of correspondenceA language which may be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health
          Comments

          If no language is specified, this implies that the default local language is spoken. If you need to convey proficiency for multiple modes, then you need multiple Patient.Communication associations. For animals, language is not a relevant field, and should be absent from the instance. If the Patient does not speak the default local language, then the Interpreter Required Standard can be used to explicitly declare that an interpreter is required.

          Control0..1*
          TypeBackboneElement
          Is Modifierfalse
          Summaryfalse
          Requirements

          If a patient does not speak the local language, interpreters may be required, so languages spoken and proficiency are important things to keep track of both for patient and other persons of interest.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          84. Patient.communication:languageOfCorrespondence.modifierExtension
          Definition

          May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. 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. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

          Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

          ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
          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 Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

          Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
          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())
          86. Patient.communication:languageOfCorrespondence.language
          Definition

          The ISO-639-1 alpha 2 code in lower case for the language, optionally followed by a hyphen and the ISO-3166-1 alpha 2 code for the region in upper case; e.g. "en" for English, or "en-US" for American English versus "en-EN" for England English.

          ShortThe language which can be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health
          Comments

          The structure aa-BB with this exact casing is one the most widely used notations for locale. However not all systems actually code this but instead have it as free text. Hence CodeableConcept instead of code as the data type.

          Control1..1
          BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguageshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages
          (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages)

          A human language.

          Additional BindingsPurpose
          AllLanguagesMax Binding
          TypeCodeableConcept
          Is Modifierfalse
          Summaryfalse
          Requirements

          Most systems in multilingual countries will want to convey language. Not all systems actually need the regional dialect.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          88. Patient.communication:languageOfCorrespondence.preferred
          Definition

          Indicates whether or not the patient prefers this language (over other languages he masters up a certain level).

          ShortLanguage preference indicator
          Comments

          This language is specifically identified for communicating healthcare information.

          Control10..1
          Typeboolean
          Is Modifierfalse
          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
          Summaryfalse
          Requirements

          People that master multiple languages up to certain level may prefer one or more, i.e. feel more confident in communicating in a particular language making other languages sort of a fall back method.

          Fixed Valuetrue
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          90. Patient.link
          Definition

          Link to another patient resource that concerns the same actual patient.

          ShortLink to another patient resource that concerns the same actual person
          Comments

          There is no assumption that linked patient records have mutual links.

          Control0..*
          TypeBackboneElement
          Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because it might not be the main Patient resource, and the referenced patient should be used instead of this Patient record. This is when the link.type value is 'replaced-by'
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          There are multiple use cases:

          • Duplicate patient records due to the clerical errors associated with the difficulties of identifying humans consistently, and
          • Distribution of patient information across multiple servers.
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          92. Patient.link.modifierExtension
          Definition

          May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. 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. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

          Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

          ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
          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 Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

          Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
          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())
          94. Patient.link.other
          Definition

          The other patient resource that the link refers to.

          ShortThe other patient or related person resource that the link refers to
          Comments

          Referencing a RelatedPerson here removes the need to use a Person record to associate a Patient and RelatedPerson as the same individual.

          Control1..1
          TypeReference(Patient, RelatedPerson)
          Is Modifierfalse
          Summarytrue
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          96. Patient.link.type
          Definition

          The type of link between this patient resource and another patient resource.

          Shortreplaced-by | replaces | refer | seealso
          Control1..1
          BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from LinkTypehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/link-type|4.0.1
          (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/link-type|4.0.1)

          The type of link between this patient resource and another patient resource.

          Typecode
          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()))