Hello everyone,
I have a query regarding the content of the LOINC panel 85353-1 (Vital signs, weight, height, head circumference, oxygen saturation and BMI panel).
From my understanding, vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) and body measurements (e.g., height, weight, BMI) are conceptually distinct. Vital signs are physiological measurements reflecting a patient’s immediate health status, while body measurements are more structural or anthropometric data.
Additionally, I noticed that the FHIR Vital Signs Panel Profile (StructureDefinition: VitalsPanel - FHIR v4.0.1) is mapped to this LOINC panel. I feel that this mapping may not be entirely accurate, given that the FHIR Vital Signs Panel Profile appears to focus specifically on physiological vital signs, excluding structural measurements like height or weight
Could you please clarify the rationale behind grouping both vital signs and body measurements together in the LOINC panel 85353-1?
- Is this grouping based on clinical workflows, or is it driven by the convenience of data capture?
Your insights will greatly help me in understanding this better and aligning our implementation appropriately.