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Logical Observation Identifiers, Names, and Codes (LOINC)

What are LOINC Codes?

Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) is a universal code system for tests, measurements, and observations. Health care facilities, laboratories, and other health care organizations use HL7 to send these codes and the applicable results electronically to other health care organizations. LOINC is:

  • A common language (set of identifiers, names, and codes) for clinical and laboratory observations.
  • A catalog of measurements, including laboratory tests, clinical measures such as vital signs, standardized survey measurements, and more.
  • A standard which allows for the exchange and aggregation of clinical results for care delivery and outcomes management by providing a universal codes and structured names to unambiguously identify things clinicians can measure or observe.

Is there a cost to use LOINC codes?

No, the LOINC database is available to download free from the LOINC website: https://loinc.org/downloads/

Why should I use and send LOINC codes?

LOINC is being increasingly adopted by health care governing bodies. These codes are used to close care gaps for HEDIS measures such as:

  • Depression Screening and Follow-Up for Adolescents and Adults (DSF-E)
  • Utilization of the PHQ-9 to Monitor Depression Symptoms for Adolescents and Adults (DMS-E)
  • Depression Remission or Response for Adolescents and Adults (DRR-E)
  • Unhealthy Alcohol Use Screening and Follow-Up (ASF-E)
  • Prenatal Depression Screening and Follow-Up (PND-E)
  • Postpartum Depression Screening and Follow-Up (PDS-E)
  • Social Need Screening and Intervention (SNS-E)

Sharing these LOINC codes and the applicable results code with Meridian/Centene allows for better care coordination amongst shared patients.

Additional information on LOINC codes that can be used for the SNS-E measure is available through the Gravity Project: https://confluence.hl7.org/display/GRAV/Social+Risk+Terminology+Value+Sets

How can I send LOINC codes to Meridian/Centene?

LOINC codes are generally submitted through HL7 messages. If your organization is set up to send HL7 messages to Meridian/Centene you can begin sending LOINC codes through HL7 messages. If your organization is unable to send HL7 messages, there are several ways to submit LOINC codes for the HEDIS measures listed above:

  • MiHIN Quality Measure Information: As of 10/1/24, the state of Michigan’s HIE vendor, MiHIN, has updated their file specifications to be able to accept supplemental data for the LOINC codes listed above. This data is then sent to Meridian/Centene and ingested into our systems. For more information on this use case, visit MiHIN’s website: https://mihin.org/physician-payer-quality-collaborative/
  • MiHIN Social Determinants of Health: MiHIN also has a use case to receive LOINC codes specific to the SNS-E HEDIS measure listed above. This data is also sent to Meridian/Centene and ingested into our systems. For more information on this use case, visit MiHIN’s website: https://mihin.org/social-determinants-of-health-use-case/
  • Meridian can also work with provider organizations to receive LOINC codes submitted on CSV files sent through a shared sFTP site. For more information on this, please reach out to your Quality Practice Advisor. 
Last Updated: 09/27/2024