The Attachments template is used to reference any external file within the context
of a part of the patient’s record (e.g. lab results, x-ray images, etc.). There are many use cases where clinical
content may not be incorporated discretely into the EMR system, but linked to the
relevant record through the attachment mechanism.
When an external file is attached to the patient’s medical record there are certain
meta data regarding that file that must be captured and communicated with the file to ensure that the
context of the external file in relation to the medical record is maintained. This
meta data may include the date the attachment is received, its title and author. The addition of keywords may also be used to facilitate
searching, filtering and sorting attachments within the EMR. Additionally, the EMR
may provide the ability for the user to add notes or observations regarding the attachment
for future reference.
The Attachment itself may be embedded into the CDA document; or, more commonly referenced
as an external document located within the message wrapper, a recognized file system,
or at a web location. Refer to the EncapsulatedData
template for details on the transmission of attached files.
Context
Parent nodes of template element with id 2.16.840.1.113883.3.1818.10.4.1
Template BC Attachment
Draft
