DSTU2 STU 3 Candidate
This page is part of the FHIR Specification (v1.0.2: DSTU 2). The current version which supercedes this version is

This page is part of the FHIR Specification (v1.4.0: STU 3 Ballot 3). The current version which supercedes this version is 5.0.0 . For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions . For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions . Page versions: . Page versions: R5 R4B R4 R3 R2

6.9 6.10 Resource DocumentReference - Content Resource DocumentReference - Content

A reference to a document .
Structured Documents Structured Documents Work Group Work Group Maturity Level : 2 Maturity Level : 2 Compartments : : Device , , Patient , , Practitioner , , RelatedPerson

A reference to a document .

6.9.1 Scope and Usage 6.10.1 Scope and Usage A DocumentReference resource is used to describe a document that is made available to a healthcare system. A document is some sequence of bytes that is identifiable, establishes its own context (e.g., what subject, author, etc. can be displayed to the user), and has defined update management. The DocumentReference resource can be used with any document format that has a recognized mime type and that conforms to this definition. Typically, DocumentReference resources are used in document indexing systems, such as IHE XDS

A DocumentReference resource is used to describe a document that is made available to a healthcare system. A document is some sequence of bytes that is identifiable, establishes its own context (e.g., what subject, author, etc. can be displayed to the user), and has defined update management. The DocumentReference resource can be used with any document format that has a recognized mime type and that conforms to this definition.

Typically, DocumentReference resources are used in document indexing systems, such as IHE XDS (see the XDS specific profile (see the XDS specific profile ), and are used to refer to: ), and are used to refer to:

6.9.2 Boundaries and Relationships 6.10.2 Boundaries and Relationships FHIR defines both a document format and this document reference. FHIR documents are for documents that are authored and assembled in FHIR. This resource is mainly intended for general references to other documents. The document that is a target of the reference can be a reference to a FHIR document served by another server, or the target can be stored in the special FHIR Binary Resource , or the target can be stored on some other server system. The document reference is also able to address documents that are retrieved by a service call such as an XDS.b RetrieveDocumentSet, or a DICOM exchange, or an HL7 v2

FHIR defines both a document format and this document reference. FHIR documents are for documents that are authored and assembled in FHIR. This resource is mainly intended for general references to other documents.

The document that is a target of the reference can be a reference to a FHIR document served by another server, or the target can be stored in the special FHIR Binary Resource , or the target can be stored on some other server system. The document reference is also able to address documents that are retrieved by a service call such as an XDS.b RetrieveDocumentSet, or a DICOM exchange, or an HL7 v2 message query - though the way each of these service calls works must be specified in some external standard or other documentation. A message query - though the way each of these service calls works must be specified in some external standard or other documentation.

A DocumentReference describes some other document. This means that there are two sets of provenance information relevant here: the provenance of the document, and the provenance of the document reference. Sometimes, the provenance information is closely related, as when the document producer also produces the document reference, but in other workflows, the document reference is generated later by other actors. In the describes some other document. This means that there are two sets of provenance information relevant here: the provenance of the document, and the provenance of the document reference. Sometimes, the provenance information is closely related, as when the document producer also produces the document reference, but in other workflows, the document reference is generated later by other actors. In the DocumentReference resource, the resource, the meta content refers to the provenance of the reference itself, while the content described below concerns the document it references. Like all resources, there is overlap between the information in the resource directly, and in the general Provenance resource. This is discussed as part of the description of the content refers to the provenance of the reference itself, while the content described below concerns the document it references. Like all resources, there is overlap between the information in the resource directly, and in the general Provenance resource . This resource is referenced by resource. This is discussed as part of the description of the Provenance resource .

This resource is referenced by Contract and and DiagnosticOrder

6.9.3 Resource Content 6.10.3 Resource Content

Structure

Name Flags Card. Type Description & Constraints Description & Constraints doco
. . DocumentReference Σ DomainResource A reference to a document A reference to a document
. . . masterIdentifier Σ 0..1 Identifier Master Version Specific Identifier Master Version Specific Identifier
. . . identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Other identifiers for the document Other identifiers for the document
. . . subject Σ 0..1 Reference ( Patient | | Practitioner | | Group | | Device ) Who/what is the subject of the document Who/what is the subject of the document
. . . type Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Kind of document (LOINC if possible) Kind of document (LOINC if possible)
Document Type Value Set ( Document Type Value Set ( Preferred )
. . . class Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Categorization of document Categorization of document
Document Class Value Set ( Document Class Value Set ( Example )
. . . author Σ 0..* Reference ( Practitioner | | Organization | | Device | | Patient | | RelatedPerson ) Who and/or what authored the document Who and/or what authored the document
. . . custodian Σ 0..1 Reference ( Organization ) Organization which maintains the document Organization which maintains the document
. . . authenticator Σ 0..1 Reference ( Practitioner | | Organization ) Who/what authenticated the document Who/what authenticated the document
. . . created Σ 0..1 dateTime Document creation time Document creation time
. . . indexed Σ 1..1 instant When this document reference created When this document reference created
. . . status ?! ?! Σ 1..1 code current | superseded | entered-in-error current | superseded | entered-in-error
DocumentReferenceStatus ( ( Required )
. . . docStatus Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error
CompositionStatus ( ( Required )
. . . relatesTo ?! ?! Σ 0..* BackboneElement Relationships to other documents Relationships to other documents
. . . . code Σ 1..1 code replaces | transforms | signs | appends replaces | transforms | signs | appends
DocumentRelationshipType ( ( Required )
. . . . target Σ 1..1 Reference ( DocumentReference ) Target of the relationship Target of the relationship
. . . description Σ 0..1 string Human-readable description (title) Human-readable description (title)
. . . securityLabel Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Document security-tags Document security-tags
All Security Labels ( All Security Labels ( Extensible )
. . . content Σ 1..* BackboneElement Document referenced Document referenced
. . . . attachment Σ 1..1 Attachment Where to access the document Where to access the document
. . . . format Σ 0..* Coding Format/content rules for the document Format/content rules for the document
DocumentReference Format Code Set ( DocumentReference Format Code Set ( Preferred )
. . . context Σ 0..1 BackboneElement Clinical context of document Clinical context of document
. . . . encounter Σ 0..1 Reference ( Encounter ) Context of the document content Context of the document content
. . . . event Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Main Clinical Acts Documented Main Clinical Acts Documented
v3 Code System ActCode ( v3 Code System ActCode ( Example )
. . . . period Σ 0..1 Period Time of service that is being documented Time of service that is being documented
. . . . facilityType Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Kind of facility where patient was seen Kind of facility where patient was seen
Facility Type Code Value Set ( Facility Type Code Value Set ( Example )
. . . . practiceSetting Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty) Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty)
Practice Setting Code Value Set ( Practice Setting Code Value Set ( Example )
. . . . sourcePatientInfo Σ 0..1 Reference ( Patient ) Patient demographics from source Patient demographics from source
. . . . related Σ 0..* BackboneElement Related identifiers or resources Related identifiers or resources
. . . . . identifier Σ 0..1 Identifier Identifier of related objects or events Identifier of related objects or events
. . . . . ref Σ 0..1 Reference ( Any ) Related Resource Related Resource

Documentation for this format doco Documentation for this format

UML Diagram UML Diagram

DocumentReference ( ( DomainResource ) Document identifier as assigned by the source of the document. This identifier is specific to this version of the document. This unique identifier may be used elsewhere to identify this version of the document Document identifier as assigned by the source of the document. This identifier is specific to this version of the document. This unique identifier may be used elsewhere to identify this version of the document masterIdentifier : : Identifier [0..1] [0..1] Other identifiers associated with the document, including version independent identifiers Other identifiers associated with the document, including version independent identifiers identifier : : Identifier [0..*] [0..*] Who or what the document is about. The document can be about a person, (patient or healthcare practitioner), a device (e.g. a machine) or even a group of subjects (such as a document about a herd of farm animals, or a set of patients that share a common exposure) Who or what the document is about. The document can be about a person, (patient or healthcare practitioner), a device (e.g. a machine) or even a group of subjects (such as a document about a herd of farm animals, or a set of patients that share a common exposure) subject : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Patient | Practitioner | Group | Device » » Specifies the particular kind of document referenced (e.g. History and Physical, Discharge Summary, Progress Note). This usually equates to the purpose of making the document referenced Specifies the particular kind of document referenced (e.g. History and Physical, Discharge Summary, Progress Note). This usually equates to the purpose of making the document referenced type : : CodeableConcept [1..1] « [1..1] « Precise type of clinical document. (Strength=Preferred) Precise type of clinical document. (Strength=Preferred) Document Type Value Set Document Type Value Set ? » ? » A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type class : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level. (Strength=Example) High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level. (Strength=Example) Document Class Value Set Document Class Value Set ?? » ?? » Identifies who is responsible for adding the information to the document Identifies who is responsible for adding the information to the document author : : Reference [0..*] « [0..*] « Practitioner | Organization | Device | Patient | RelatedPerson » » Identifies the organization or group who is responsible for ongoing maintenance of and access to the document Identifies the organization or group who is responsible for ongoing maintenance of and access to the document custodian : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Organization » » Which person or organization authenticates that this document is valid Which person or organization authenticates that this document is valid authenticator : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Practitioner | Organization » » When the document was created When the document was created created : : dateTime [0..1] [0..1] When the document reference was created When the document reference was created indexed : : instant [1..1] [1..1] The status of this document reference (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) The status of this document reference (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) status : : code [1..1] « [1..1] « The status of the document reference. (Strength=Required) The status of the document reference. (Strength=Required) DocumentReferenceStatus ! » ! » The status of the underlying document The status of the underlying document docStatus : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « Status of the underlying document. (Strength=Required) Status of the underlying document. (Strength=Required) CompositionStatus ! » ! » Human-readable description of the source document. This is sometimes known as the "title" Human-readable description of the source document. This is sometimes known as the "title" description : : string [0..1] [0..1] A set of Security-Tag codes specifying the level of privacy/security of the Document. Note that DocumentReference.meta.security contains the security labels of the "reference" to the document, while DocumentReference.securityLabel contains a snapshot of the security labels on the document the reference refers to A set of Security-Tag codes specifying the level of privacy/security of the Document. Note that DocumentReference.meta.security contains the security labels of the "reference" to the document, while DocumentReference.securityLabel contains a snapshot of the security labels on the document the reference refers to securityLabel : : CodeableConcept [0..*] « [0..*] « Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System. (Strength=Extensible) Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System. (Strength=Extensible) All Security Labels All Security Labels + » + » RelatesTo The type of relationship that this document has with anther document The type of relationship that this document has with anther document code : : code [1..1] « [1..1] « The type of relationship between documents. (Strength=Required) The type of relationship between documents. (Strength=Required) DocumentRelationshipType ! » ! » The target document of this relationship The target document of this relationship target : : Reference [1..1] « [1..1] « DocumentReference » » Content The document or url of the document along with critical metadata to prove content has integrity The document or url of the document along with critical metadata to prove content has integrity attachment : : Attachment [1..1] [1..1] An identifier of the document encoding, structure, and template that the document conforms to beyond the base format indicated in the mimeType An identifier of the document encoding, structure, and template that the document conforms to beyond the base format indicated in the mimeType format : : Coding [0..*] « [0..*] « Document Format Codes. (Strength=Preferred) Document Format Codes. (Strength=Preferred) DocumentReference Format Code... DocumentReference Format Code... ? » ? » Context Describes the clinical encounter or type of care that the document content is associated with Describes the clinical encounter or type of care that the document content is associated with encounter : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Encounter » » This list of codes represents the main clinical acts, such as a colonoscopy or an appendectomy, being documented. In some cases, the event is inherent in the typeCode, such as a "History and Physical Report" in which the procedure being documented is necessarily a "History and Physical" act This list of codes represents the main clinical acts, such as a colonoscopy or an appendectomy, being documented. In some cases, the event is inherent in the typeCode, such as a "History and Physical Report" in which the procedure being documented is necessarily a "History and Physical" act event : : CodeableConcept [0..*] « [0..*] « This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented. (Strength=Example) This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented. (Strength=Example) v3 Code System ActCode v3 Code System ActCode ?? » ?? » The time period over which the service that is described by the document was provided The time period over which the service that is described by the document was provided period : : Period [0..1] [0..1] The kind of facility where the patient was seen The kind of facility where the patient was seen facilityType : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « XDS Facility Type. (Strength=Example) XDS Facility Type. (Strength=Example) Facility Type Code Value Set Facility Type Code Value Set ?? » ?? » This property may convey specifics about the practice setting where the content was created, often reflecting the clinical specialty This property may convey specifics about the practice setting where the content was created, often reflecting the clinical specialty practiceSetting : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty). (Strength=Example) Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty). (Strength=Example) Practice Setting Code Practice Setting Code Value S... Value S... ?? » ?? » The Patient Information as known when the document was published. May be a reference to a version specific, or contained The Patient Information as known when the document was published. May be a reference to a version specific, or contained sourcePatientInfo : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Patient » » Related Related identifier to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing Related identifier to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing identifier : : Identifier [0..1] [0..1] Related Resource to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing Related Resource to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing ref : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Any » » Relationships that this document has with other document references that already exist (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) Relationships that this document has with other document references that already exist (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) relatesTo [0..*] The document and format referenced. There may be multiple content element repetitions, each with a different format The document and format referenced. There may be multiple content element repetitions, each with a different format content [1..*] Related identifiers or resources associated with the DocumentReference Related identifiers or resources associated with the DocumentReference related [0..*] The clinical context in which the document was prepared The clinical context in which the document was prepared context [0..1]

XML Template XML Template 

<DocumentReference xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <masterIdentifier><!-- 0..1 Identifier Master Version Specific Identifier --></masterIdentifier>
 <identifier><!-- 0..* Identifier Other identifiers for the document --></identifier>
 <subject><!-- 0..1 Reference(Patient|Practitioner|Group|Device) Who/what is the subject of the document --></subject>
 <type><!-- 1..1 CodeableConcept Kind of document (LOINC if possible) --></type>
 <class><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept Categorization of document --></class>
 <author><!-- 0..* Reference(Practitioner|Organization|Device|Patient|
   RelatedPerson) Who and/or what authored the document --></author>
 <custodian><!-- 0..1 Reference(Organization) Organization which maintains the document --></custodian>
 <authenticator><!-- 0..1 Reference(Practitioner|Organization) Who/what authenticated the document --></authenticator>
 <created value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Document creation time -->
 <indexed value="[instant]"/><!-- 1..1 When this document reference created -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 current | superseded | entered-in-error -->
 <docStatus><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error --></docStatus>
 <relatesTo>  <!-- 0..* Relationships to other documents -->
  <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 replaces | transforms | signs | appends -->
  <target><!-- 1..1 Reference(DocumentReference) Target of the relationship --></target>
 </relatesTo>
 <description value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Human-readable description (title) -->
 <securityLabel><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Document security-tags --></securityLabel>
 <content>  <!-- 1..* Document referenced -->
  <attachment><!-- 1..1 Attachment Where to access the document --></attachment>
  <format><!-- 0..* Coding Format/content rules for the document --></format>
 </content>
 <context>  <!-- 0..1 Clinical context of document -->
  <encounter><!-- 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Context of the document  content --></encounter>
  <</event>

  <event><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Main Clinical Acts Documented --></event>

  <period><!-- 0..1 Period Time of service that is being documented --></period>
  <facilityType><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept Kind of facility where patient was seen --></facilityType>
  <practiceSetting><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty) --></practiceSetting>
  <sourcePatientInfo><!-- 0..1 Reference(Patient) Patient demographics from source --></sourcePatientInfo>
  <related>  <!-- 0..* Related identifiers or resources -->
   <identifier><!-- 0..1 Identifier Identifier of related objects or events --></identifier>
   <ref><!-- 0..1 Reference(Any) Related Resource --></ref>
  </related>
 </context>
</DocumentReference>

JSON Template JSON Template 

{doco
  "resourceType" : "DocumentReference",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "masterIdentifier" : { Identifier }, // Master Version Specific Identifier
  "identifier" : [{ Identifier }], // Other identifiers for the document
  "subject" : { Reference(Patient|Practitioner|Group|Device) }, // Who/what is the subject of the document
  "type" : { CodeableConcept }, // R!  Kind of document (LOINC if possible)
  "class" : { CodeableConcept }, // Categorization of document
  "author" : [{ Reference(Practitioner|Organization|Device|Patient|
   RelatedPerson) }], // Who and/or what authored the document
  "custodian" : { Reference(Organization) }, // Organization which maintains the document
  "authenticator" : { Reference(Practitioner|Organization) }, // Who/what authenticated the document
  "created" : "<dateTime>", // Document creation time
  "indexed" : "<instant>", // R!  When this document reference created
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  current | superseded | entered-in-error
  "docStatus" : { CodeableConcept }, // preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error
  "relatesTo" : [{ // Relationships to other documents
    "code" : "<code>", // R!  replaces | transforms | signs | appends
    "target" : { Reference(DocumentReference) } // R!  Target of the relationship
  }],
  "description" : "<string>", // Human-readable description (title)
  "securityLabel" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Document security-tags
  "content" : [{ // R!  Document referenced
    "attachment" : { Attachment }, // R!  Where to access the document
    "format" : [{ Coding }] // Format/content rules for the document
  }],
  "context" : { // Clinical context of document
    "encounter" : { Reference(Encounter) }, // Context of the document  content
    "

    "event" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Main Clinical Acts Documented

    "period" : { Period }, // Time of service that is being documented
    "facilityType" : { CodeableConcept }, // Kind of facility where patient was seen
    "practiceSetting" : { CodeableConcept }, // Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty)
    "sourcePatientInfo" : { Reference(Patient) }, // Patient demographics from source
    "related" : [{ // Related identifiers or resources
      "identifier" : { Identifier }, // Identifier of related objects or events
      "ref" : { Reference(Any) } // Related Resource
    }]
  }
}

Structure

Name Flags Card. Type Description & Constraints Description & Constraints doco
. . DocumentReference Σ DomainResource A reference to a document A reference to a document
. . . masterIdentifier Σ 0..1 Identifier Master Version Specific Identifier Master Version Specific Identifier
. . . identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Other identifiers for the document Other identifiers for the document
. . . subject Σ 0..1 Reference ( Patient | | Practitioner | | Group | | Device ) Who/what is the subject of the document Who/what is the subject of the document
. . . type Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Kind of document (LOINC if possible) Kind of document (LOINC if possible)
Document Type Value Set ( Document Type Value Set ( Preferred )
. . . class Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Categorization of document Categorization of document
Document Class Value Set ( Document Class Value Set ( Example )
. . . author Σ 0..* Reference ( Practitioner | | Organization | | Device | | Patient | | RelatedPerson ) Who and/or what authored the document Who and/or what authored the document
. . . custodian Σ 0..1 Reference ( Organization ) Organization which maintains the document Organization which maintains the document
. . . authenticator Σ 0..1 Reference ( Practitioner | | Organization ) Who/what authenticated the document Who/what authenticated the document
. . . created Σ 0..1 dateTime Document creation time Document creation time
. . . indexed Σ 1..1 instant When this document reference created When this document reference created
. . . status ?! ?! Σ 1..1 code current | superseded | entered-in-error current | superseded | entered-in-error
DocumentReferenceStatus ( ( Required )
. . . docStatus Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error
CompositionStatus ( ( Required )
. . . relatesTo ?! ?! Σ 0..* BackboneElement Relationships to other documents Relationships to other documents
. . . . code Σ 1..1 code replaces | transforms | signs | appends replaces | transforms | signs | appends
DocumentRelationshipType ( ( Required )
. . . . target Σ 1..1 Reference ( DocumentReference ) Target of the relationship Target of the relationship
. . . description Σ 0..1 string Human-readable description (title) Human-readable description (title)
. . . securityLabel Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Document security-tags Document security-tags
All Security Labels ( All Security Labels ( Extensible )
. . . content Σ 1..* BackboneElement Document referenced Document referenced
. . . . attachment Σ 1..1 Attachment Where to access the document Where to access the document
. . . . format Σ 0..* Coding Format/content rules for the document Format/content rules for the document
DocumentReference Format Code Set ( DocumentReference Format Code Set ( Preferred )
. . . context Σ 0..1 BackboneElement Clinical context of document Clinical context of document
. . . . encounter Σ 0..1 Reference ( Encounter ) Context of the document content Context of the document content
. . . . event Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Main Clinical Acts Documented Main Clinical Acts Documented
v3 Code System ActCode ( v3 Code System ActCode ( Example )
. . . . period Σ 0..1 Period Time of service that is being documented Time of service that is being documented
. . . . facilityType Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Kind of facility where patient was seen Kind of facility where patient was seen
Facility Type Code Value Set ( Facility Type Code Value Set ( Example )
. . . . practiceSetting Σ 0..1 CodeableConcept Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty) Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty)
Practice Setting Code Value Set ( Practice Setting Code Value Set ( Example )
. . . . sourcePatientInfo Σ 0..1 Reference ( Patient ) Patient demographics from source Patient demographics from source
. . . . related Σ 0..* BackboneElement Related identifiers or resources Related identifiers or resources
. . . . . identifier Σ 0..1 Identifier Identifier of related objects or events Identifier of related objects or events
. . . . . ref Σ 0..1 Reference ( Any ) Related Resource Related Resource

Documentation for this format doco Documentation for this format

UML Diagram UML Diagram

DocumentReference ( ( DomainResource ) Document identifier as assigned by the source of the document. This identifier is specific to this version of the document. This unique identifier may be used elsewhere to identify this version of the document Document identifier as assigned by the source of the document. This identifier is specific to this version of the document. This unique identifier may be used elsewhere to identify this version of the document masterIdentifier : : Identifier [0..1] [0..1] Other identifiers associated with the document, including version independent identifiers Other identifiers associated with the document, including version independent identifiers identifier : : Identifier [0..*] [0..*] Who or what the document is about. The document can be about a person, (patient or healthcare practitioner), a device (e.g. a machine) or even a group of subjects (such as a document about a herd of farm animals, or a set of patients that share a common exposure) Who or what the document is about. The document can be about a person, (patient or healthcare practitioner), a device (e.g. a machine) or even a group of subjects (such as a document about a herd of farm animals, or a set of patients that share a common exposure) subject : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Patient | Practitioner | Group | Device » » Specifies the particular kind of document referenced (e.g. History and Physical, Discharge Summary, Progress Note). This usually equates to the purpose of making the document referenced Specifies the particular kind of document referenced (e.g. History and Physical, Discharge Summary, Progress Note). This usually equates to the purpose of making the document referenced type : : CodeableConcept [1..1] « [1..1] « Precise type of clinical document. (Strength=Preferred) Precise type of clinical document. (Strength=Preferred) Document Type Value Set Document Type Value Set ? » ? » A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type class : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level. (Strength=Example) High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level. (Strength=Example) Document Class Value Set Document Class Value Set ?? » ?? » Identifies who is responsible for adding the information to the document Identifies who is responsible for adding the information to the document author : : Reference [0..*] « [0..*] « Practitioner | Organization | Device | Patient | RelatedPerson » » Identifies the organization or group who is responsible for ongoing maintenance of and access to the document Identifies the organization or group who is responsible for ongoing maintenance of and access to the document custodian : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Organization » » Which person or organization authenticates that this document is valid Which person or organization authenticates that this document is valid authenticator : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Practitioner | Organization » » When the document was created When the document was created created : : dateTime [0..1] [0..1] When the document reference was created When the document reference was created indexed : : instant [1..1] [1..1] The status of this document reference (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) The status of this document reference (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) status : : code [1..1] « [1..1] « The status of the document reference. (Strength=Required) The status of the document reference. (Strength=Required) DocumentReferenceStatus ! » ! » The status of the underlying document The status of the underlying document docStatus : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « Status of the underlying document. (Strength=Required) Status of the underlying document. (Strength=Required) CompositionStatus ! » ! » Human-readable description of the source document. This is sometimes known as the "title" Human-readable description of the source document. This is sometimes known as the "title" description : : string [0..1] [0..1] A set of Security-Tag codes specifying the level of privacy/security of the Document. Note that DocumentReference.meta.security contains the security labels of the "reference" to the document, while DocumentReference.securityLabel contains a snapshot of the security labels on the document the reference refers to A set of Security-Tag codes specifying the level of privacy/security of the Document. Note that DocumentReference.meta.security contains the security labels of the "reference" to the document, while DocumentReference.securityLabel contains a snapshot of the security labels on the document the reference refers to securityLabel : : CodeableConcept [0..*] « [0..*] « Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System. (Strength=Extensible) Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System. (Strength=Extensible) All Security Labels All Security Labels + » + » RelatesTo The type of relationship that this document has with anther document The type of relationship that this document has with anther document code : : code [1..1] « [1..1] « The type of relationship between documents. (Strength=Required) The type of relationship between documents. (Strength=Required) DocumentRelationshipType ! » ! » The target document of this relationship The target document of this relationship target : : Reference [1..1] « [1..1] « DocumentReference » » Content The document or url of the document along with critical metadata to prove content has integrity The document or url of the document along with critical metadata to prove content has integrity attachment : : Attachment [1..1] [1..1] An identifier of the document encoding, structure, and template that the document conforms to beyond the base format indicated in the mimeType An identifier of the document encoding, structure, and template that the document conforms to beyond the base format indicated in the mimeType format : : Coding [0..*] « [0..*] « Document Format Codes. (Strength=Preferred) Document Format Codes. (Strength=Preferred) DocumentReference Format Code... DocumentReference Format Code... ? » ? » Context Describes the clinical encounter or type of care that the document content is associated with Describes the clinical encounter or type of care that the document content is associated with encounter : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Encounter » » This list of codes represents the main clinical acts, such as a colonoscopy or an appendectomy, being documented. In some cases, the event is inherent in the typeCode, such as a "History and Physical Report" in which the procedure being documented is necessarily a "History and Physical" act This list of codes represents the main clinical acts, such as a colonoscopy or an appendectomy, being documented. In some cases, the event is inherent in the typeCode, such as a "History and Physical Report" in which the procedure being documented is necessarily a "History and Physical" act event : : CodeableConcept [0..*] « [0..*] « This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented. (Strength=Example) This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented. (Strength=Example) v3 Code System ActCode v3 Code System ActCode ?? » ?? » The time period over which the service that is described by the document was provided The time period over which the service that is described by the document was provided period : : Period [0..1] [0..1] The kind of facility where the patient was seen The kind of facility where the patient was seen facilityType : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « XDS Facility Type. (Strength=Example) XDS Facility Type. (Strength=Example) Facility Type Code Value Set Facility Type Code Value Set ?? » ?? » This property may convey specifics about the practice setting where the content was created, often reflecting the clinical specialty This property may convey specifics about the practice setting where the content was created, often reflecting the clinical specialty practiceSetting : : CodeableConcept [0..1] « [0..1] « Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty). (Strength=Example) Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty). (Strength=Example) Practice Setting Code Practice Setting Code Value S... Value S... ?? » ?? » The Patient Information as known when the document was published. May be a reference to a version specific, or contained The Patient Information as known when the document was published. May be a reference to a version specific, or contained sourcePatientInfo : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Patient » » Related Related identifier to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing Related identifier to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing identifier : : Identifier [0..1] [0..1] Related Resource to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing Related Resource to this DocumentReference. If both id and ref are present they shall refer to the same thing ref : : Reference [0..1] « [0..1] « Any » » Relationships that this document has with other document references that already exist (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) Relationships that this document has with other document references that already exist (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) relatesTo [0..*] The document and format referenced. There may be multiple content element repetitions, each with a different format The document and format referenced. There may be multiple content element repetitions, each with a different format content [1..*] Related identifiers or resources associated with the DocumentReference Related identifiers or resources associated with the DocumentReference related [0..*] The clinical context in which the document was prepared The clinical context in which the document was prepared context [0..1]

XML Template XML Template 

<DocumentReference xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <masterIdentifier><!-- 0..1 Identifier Master Version Specific Identifier --></masterIdentifier>
 <identifier><!-- 0..* Identifier Other identifiers for the document --></identifier>
 <subject><!-- 0..1 Reference(Patient|Practitioner|Group|Device) Who/what is the subject of the document --></subject>
 <type><!-- 1..1 CodeableConcept Kind of document (LOINC if possible) --></type>
 <class><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept Categorization of document --></class>
 <author><!-- 0..* Reference(Practitioner|Organization|Device|Patient|
   RelatedPerson) Who and/or what authored the document --></author>
 <custodian><!-- 0..1 Reference(Organization) Organization which maintains the document --></custodian>
 <authenticator><!-- 0..1 Reference(Practitioner|Organization) Who/what authenticated the document --></authenticator>
 <created value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Document creation time -->
 <indexed value="[instant]"/><!-- 1..1 When this document reference created -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 current | superseded | entered-in-error -->
 <docStatus><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error --></docStatus>
 <relatesTo>  <!-- 0..* Relationships to other documents -->
  <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 replaces | transforms | signs | appends -->
  <target><!-- 1..1 Reference(DocumentReference) Target of the relationship --></target>
 </relatesTo>
 <description value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Human-readable description (title) -->
 <securityLabel><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Document security-tags --></securityLabel>
 <content>  <!-- 1..* Document referenced -->
  <attachment><!-- 1..1 Attachment Where to access the document --></attachment>
  <format><!-- 0..* Coding Format/content rules for the document --></format>
 </content>
 <context>  <!-- 0..1 Clinical context of document -->
  <encounter><!-- 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Context of the document  content --></encounter>
  <</event>

  <event><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Main Clinical Acts Documented --></event>

  <period><!-- 0..1 Period Time of service that is being documented --></period>
  <facilityType><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept Kind of facility where patient was seen --></facilityType>
  <practiceSetting><!-- 0..1 CodeableConcept Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty) --></practiceSetting>
  <sourcePatientInfo><!-- 0..1 Reference(Patient) Patient demographics from source --></sourcePatientInfo>
  <related>  <!-- 0..* Related identifiers or resources -->
   <identifier><!-- 0..1 Identifier Identifier of related objects or events --></identifier>
   <ref><!-- 0..1 Reference(Any) Related Resource --></ref>
  </related>
 </context>
</DocumentReference>

JSON Template JSON Template 

{doco
  "resourceType" : "DocumentReference",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "masterIdentifier" : { Identifier }, // Master Version Specific Identifier
  "identifier" : [{ Identifier }], // Other identifiers for the document
  "subject" : { Reference(Patient|Practitioner|Group|Device) }, // Who/what is the subject of the document
  "type" : { CodeableConcept }, // R!  Kind of document (LOINC if possible)
  "class" : { CodeableConcept }, // Categorization of document
  "author" : [{ Reference(Practitioner|Organization|Device|Patient|
   RelatedPerson) }], // Who and/or what authored the document
  "custodian" : { Reference(Organization) }, // Organization which maintains the document
  "authenticator" : { Reference(Practitioner|Organization) }, // Who/what authenticated the document
  "created" : "<dateTime>", // Document creation time
  "indexed" : "<instant>", // R!  When this document reference created
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  current | superseded | entered-in-error
  "docStatus" : { CodeableConcept }, // preliminary | final | appended | amended | entered-in-error
  "relatesTo" : [{ // Relationships to other documents
    "code" : "<code>", // R!  replaces | transforms | signs | appends
    "target" : { Reference(DocumentReference) } // R!  Target of the relationship
  }],
  "description" : "<string>", // Human-readable description (title)
  "securityLabel" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Document security-tags
  "content" : [{ // R!  Document referenced
    "attachment" : { Attachment }, // R!  Where to access the document
    "format" : [{ Coding }] // Format/content rules for the document
  }],
  "context" : { // Clinical context of document
    "encounter" : { Reference(Encounter) }, // Context of the document  content
    "

    "event" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Main Clinical Acts Documented

    "period" : { Period }, // Time of service that is being documented
    "facilityType" : { CodeableConcept }, // Kind of facility where patient was seen
    "practiceSetting" : { CodeableConcept }, // Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty)
    "sourcePatientInfo" : { Reference(Patient) }, // Patient demographics from source
    "related" : [{ // Related identifiers or resources
      "identifier" : { Identifier }, // Identifier of related objects or events
      "ref" : { Reference(Any) } // Related Resource
    }]
  }
}

  Alternate definitions:

Alternate definitions: Schema / Schematron , Resource Profile ( , Resource Profile ( XML , , JSON ), ), Questionnaire

6.9.3.1 Terminology Bindings 6.10.3.1 Terminology Bindings

Path Definition Type Reference
DocumentReference.type DocumentReference.type Precise type of clinical document. Precise type of clinical document. Preferred Document Type Value Set Document Type Value Set
DocumentReference.class DocumentReference.class High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level. High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level. Example Document Class Value Set Document Class Value Set
DocumentReference.status DocumentReference.status The status of the document reference. The status of the document reference. Required DocumentReferenceStatus
DocumentReference.docStatus DocumentReference.docStatus Status of the underlying document. Status of the underlying document. Required CompositionStatus
DocumentReference.relatesTo.code DocumentReference.relatesTo.code The type of relationship between documents. The type of relationship between documents. Required DocumentRelationshipType
DocumentReference.securityLabel DocumentReference.securityLabel Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System. Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System. Extensible All Security Labels All Security Labels
DocumentReference.content.format DocumentReference.content.format Document Format Codes. Document Format Codes. Preferred DocumentReference Format Code Set DocumentReference Format Code Set
DocumentReference.context.event DocumentReference.context.event This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented. This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented. Example v3 Code System ActCode v3 Code System ActCode
DocumentReference.context.facilityType DocumentReference.context.facilityType XDS Facility Type. XDS Facility Type. Example Facility Type Code Value Set Facility Type Code Value Set
DocumentReference.context.practiceSetting DocumentReference.context.practiceSetting Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty). Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty). Example Practice Setting Code Value Set Practice Setting Code Value Set

6.9.4 Implementation Notes 6.10.4 Implementation Notes The use of the .docStatus codes is discussed in the Composition description

  • The use of the .docStatus codes is discussed in the Composition description The resources maintain one way relationships that point backwards - e.g., the document that replaces one document points towards the document that it replaced. The reverse relationships can be followed by using indexes built from the resources. Typically, this is done using the search parameters described below. Given that documents may have other documents that replace or append them, clients should always check these relationships when accessing documents
  • The resources maintain one way relationships that point backwards - e.g., the document that replaces one document points towards the document that it replaced. The reverse relationships can be followed by using indexes built from the resources. Typically, this is done using the search parameters described below. Given that documents may have other documents that replace or append them, clients should always check these relationships when accessing documents

6.9.4.1 6.10.4.1 Generating a Document Reference Generating a Document Reference A client can ask a server to generate a document reference from a document. The server reads the existing document and generates a matching DocumentReference resource, or returns one it has previously generated. Servers may be able to return or generate document references for the following types of content:

A client can ask a server to generate a document reference from a document. The server reads the existing document and generates a matching DocumentReference resource, or returns one it has previously generated. Servers may be able to return or generate document references for the following types of content:

Type Comments
FHIR Documents FHIR Documents The uri refers to an existing Document The uri refers to an existing Document
CDA CDA Document The uri is a reference to a Document The uri is a reference to a Binary end-point that returns either a CDA document, or some kind of CDA Package that the server knows how to process (e.g., an IHE .zip) end-point that returns either a CDA document, or some kind of CDA Package that the server knows how to process (e.g., an IHE .zip)
Other The server can be asked to generate a document reference for other kinds of documents. For some of these documents (e.g., PDF documents) a server could only provide a document reference if it already existed or the server had special knowledge of the document. The server either returns a search result containing a single document reference, or it returns an error. If the URI refers to another server, it is at the discretion of the server whether to retrieve it or return an error. The operation is initiated by a named query, using _query=generate on the /DocumentReference end-point: The server can be asked to generate a document reference for other kinds of documents. For some of these documents (e.g., PDF documents) a server could only provide a document reference if it already existed or the server had special knowledge of the document.

The server either returns a search result containing a single document reference, or it returns an error. If the URI refers to another server, it is at the discretion of the server whether to retrieve it or return an error.

The operation is initiated by a named query, using _query=generate on the /DocumentReference end-point: 

  GET [service-url]/DocumentReference/?_query=generate&uri=:url&...
The
"uri"
parameter
is
a
relative
or
absolute
reference
to
one
of
the
document
types
described
above.
Other
parameters
may
be
supplied:

The "uri" parameter is a relative or absolute reference to one of the document types described above. Other parameters may be supplied:

Name Meaning
persist Whether to store the document at the document end-point (/Document) or not, once it is generated. Value = true or false (default is for the server to decide). Whether to store the document at the document end-point (/Document) or not, once it is generated. Value = true or false (default is for the server to decide).

6.9.5 Search Parameters 6.10.5 Search Parameters Search parameters for this resource. The common parameters also apply. See

Search parameters for this resource. The common parameters also apply. See Searching for more information about searching in REST, messaging, and services. for more information about searching in REST, messaging, and services.

© HL7.org 2011+. FHIR DSTU2 (v1.0.2-7202) generated on Sat, Oct 24, 2015 07:43+1100. Links: Search
Name Type Description Paths
authenticator reference Who/what authenticated the document Who/what authenticated the document DocumentReference.authenticator
( Organization , , Practitioner )
author reference Who and/or what authored the document Who and/or what authored the document DocumentReference.author
( Device , , Patient , , Organization , , Practitioner , , RelatedPerson )
class token Categorization of document Categorization of document DocumentReference.class
created date Document creation time Document creation time DocumentReference.created
custodian reference Organization which maintains the document Organization which maintains the document DocumentReference.custodian
( Organization )
description string Human-readable description (title) Human-readable description (title) DocumentReference.description
encounter reference Context of the document content Context of the document content DocumentReference.context.encounter
( Encounter )
event token Main Clinical Acts Documented Main Clinical Acts Documented DocumentReference.context.event
facility token Kind of facility where patient was seen Kind of facility where patient was seen DocumentReference.context.facilityType
format token Format/content rules for the document Format/content rules for the document DocumentReference.content.format
identifier token Master Version Specific Identifier Master Version Specific Identifier DocumentReference.masterIdentifier, DocumentReference.identifier DocumentReference.masterIdentifier, DocumentReference.identifier
indexed date When this document reference created When this document reference created DocumentReference.indexed
language token Human language of the content (BCP-47) Human language of the content (BCP-47) DocumentReference.content.attachment.language
location uri Uri where the data can be found Uri where the data can be found DocumentReference.content.attachment.url
patient reference Who/what is the subject of the document Who/what is the subject of the document DocumentReference.subject
( Patient )
period date Time of service that is being documented Time of service that is being documented DocumentReference.context.period
related-id token Identifier of related objects or events Identifier of related objects or events DocumentReference.context.related.identifier
related-ref reference Related Resource Related Resource DocumentReference.context.related.ref
(Any)
relatesto reference Target of the relationship Target of the relationship DocumentReference.relatesTo.target
( DocumentReference )
relation token replaces | transforms | signs | appends replaces | transforms | signs | appends DocumentReference.relatesTo.code
relationship composite Combination of relation and relatesTo Combination of relation and relatesTo
securitylabel token Document security-tags Document security-tags DocumentReference.securityLabel
setting token Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty) Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty) DocumentReference.context.practiceSetting
status token current | superseded | entered-in-error current | superseded | entered-in-error DocumentReference.status
subject reference Who/what is the subject of the document Who/what is the subject of the document DocumentReference.subject
( Device , , Patient , , Practitioner , , Group )
type token Kind of document (LOINC if possible) Kind of document (LOINC if possible) DocumentReference.type