The name of the test performed which generates visual images (radiographic, photographic, video, etc.) of anatomic structures; and requires interpretation by qualified professionals.
Applicable Vocabulary Standard(s)
Applicable Standards (*Please confirm or update this field for the new USCDI version*)
Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC®) version 2.70
This data element has some overlap with the Procedures Data Class. However, the broad use of imaging in the U.S. Healthcare System and its unique elements are the basis for proposing a separate USCDI Class to focus specifically on the elements related to imaging.
Use Case Description(s)
Use Case Description
Imaging studies are performed and exchanged every day across healthcare systems, settings, and specialties.
Estimate the breadth of applicability of the use case(s) for this data element
These data elements are broadly used every day across healthcare systems, settings, and specialties and would be used by a large proportion of USCDI stakeholders.
Healthcare Aims
Improving patient experience of care (quality and/or satisfaction)
Reducing the cost of care
Improving provider experience of care
Maturity of Use and Technical Specifications for Data Element
Imaging studies are performed and exchanged every day across healthcare systems, settings, and specialties. These data elements would be used by a large proportion of USCDI stakeholders.
Extent of exchange
5 or more. This data element has been tested at scale between multiple different production environments to support the majority of anticipated stakeholders.
Supporting Artifacts
Imaging studies are performed and exchanged every day across healthcare systems, settings, and specialties. These data elements would be used by a large proportion of USCDI stakeholders.
Potential Challenges
Restrictions on Standardization (e.g. proprietary code)
The Connected Health Initiative supports adding the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set to the Applicable Vocabulary Standards listed in Diagnostic Imaging – Diagnostic Imaging Test as the CPT code set contains a comprehensive and regularly curated list of several hundred diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures.
The Connected Health Initiative supports adding the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set to the applicable vocabulary standards for Diagnostic Imaging – Diagnostic Imaging Test, as the CPT code set contains a comprehensive and regularly curated list of several hundred diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures.
The AMA requests that the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set be added to the applicable vocabulary standards for Diagnostic Imaging – Diagnostic Imaging Test. The CPT code set contains a comprehensive and regularly curated list of several hundred diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures. (See our previous comment on 4/17/2023 for additional information.) The following are research examples where EHR data, including CPT diagnostic imaging test codes, were used for the data analysis.
Hsu J, Pacheco JA, Stevens WW, Smith ME, Avila PC. Accuracy of phenotyping chronic rhinosinusitis in the electronic health record. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2014 Mar-Apr;28(2):140-4. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2014.28.4012. PMID: 24717952; PMCID: PMC5517777.
Zhang R, Narra VR, Kansagra AP. Large-Scale Assessment of Scan-Time Variability and Multiple-Procedure Efficiency for Cross-Sectional Neuroradiological Exams in Clinical Practice. J Digit Imaging. 2020 Feb;33(1):143-150. doi: 10.1007/s10278-019-00252-w. PMID: 31292770; PMCID: PMC7064664.
Virk SS, Diwan A, Phillips FM, Sandhu H, Khan SN. What is the Rate of Revision Discectomies After Primary Discectomy on a National Scale? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2017 Nov;475(11):2752-2762. doi: 10.1007/s11999-017-5467-6. Epub 2017 Aug 28. PMID: 28849429; PMCID: PMC5638742.
The American Medical Association requests that the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set be added to the Applicable Vocabulary Standards listed in Diagnostic Imaging – Diagnostic Imaging Test. The CPT code set contains a comprehensive and regularly curated list of several hundred diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures. The CPT code set was added in 2019 to the Interoperability Standards Advisory (ISA) vocabulary list for Representing Imaging Diagnostics, Interventions and Procedures. In a 2013 study, CPT was an important component needed to study the effect of health information exchanges in reducing diagnostic imaging for back pain in the emergency department (Bailey JE, Pope RA, Elliott EC, Wan JY, Waters TM, Frisse ME. Health Information Exchange Reduces Repeated Diagnostic Imaging for Back Pain. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2013;62(1):16-24. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2013.01.006). The CPT code set is a comprehensive and regularly curated uniform language that provides reliable communication among users. It has an extremely mature development process with open and transparent meetings and clinical input from national medical specialties and relevant stakeholders.
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If you wish to provide context, explanation, or an introduction to your comment, enter this information in the field labeled "Optional Background Text / Cover Letter." This is entirely optional and is most useful when submitting multiple related comments or when additional background would help reviewers understand your feedback.
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In the "Data Class" drop-down menu, select the appropriate data class you want to comment on.
If you are providing a general comment that is not specific to a data element, select "General" from the options. Comments with this designation will be displayed on the USCDI landing page.
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If you are on a data class page, the field will be set to that specific data class
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3. Select the Data Element
To specify which data element your comment addresses:
In the "Data Element" drop-down menu, select the specific data element you want to comment on.
The drop-down menu will display only the elements available under the data class you selected in the previous step.
You can use the search function within the drop-down to quickly locate a specific data element.
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Note: Comments on a specific data element will appear on the respective data element page, while comments on a data class (without a specific element selected) will appear on the landing page for that data class.
Fig 1 The "Data Class" and "Data Element" dropdown menus allow users to specify the exact content they wish to comment on.
4. Optional: Propose New Data Class or Element
If you cannot find the appropriate data class or element for your comment:
Instead of clicking the "Comment On An Existing Data Class Or Element" button, click the adjacent button labeled "Propose a New Data Class or Data Element."
This will redirect you to the ONDEC (ONC New Data Element and Class) Submission System.
In the ONDEC system, follow the provided instructions to submit your proposal for a new data class or element.
Once your proposal is submitted through ONDEC, it will be reviewed separately from the commenting process.
Fig 2 The "Propose a New Data Class or Data Element" button redirects users to the ONDEC Submission System for proposing new data elements not currently available in the system.
5. Complete the Comment Form
Fill out the required fields in the comment form:
Subject: Enter a brief, descriptive title that summarizes your comment. This helps reviewers quickly understand the nature of your feedback.
Comment: In this field, provide the full details of your comment or feedback. Be as clear and specific as possible about your suggestions, concerns, or observations. Include any relevant details that support your position.
6. Optional: Add Additional Comments
If you need to comment on multiple data classes or elements:
After completing your first comment, click the link labeled "Comment on another data element" at the bottom of the form.
A new comment section will appear, allowing you to enter details for your additional comment.
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Complete the Subject and Comment fields for your additional comment.
Repeat this process for each additional comment you wish to submit.
Fig 3 The "Comment on another data element" link enables users to create multiple comments addressing different elements within a single submission.
7. Optional: Upload Supporting Files
The platform allows you to upload supporting documentation to enhance your comment:
Locate the "File Upload" section at the bottom of the comment form.
Click to upload any files (such as PDFs or documents) that provide additional context, evidence, or clarification for your comment.
Important: If you have already entered your comments using the form fields, there is no need to upload duplicate content in PDF format. The file upload feature is intended for supplementary materials only. Please avoid uploading files that contain the same information already provided in your comment text.
Fig 4 The "File Upload" section permits users to attach supporting documentation that supplements their written comments.
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Fig 5 A red triangle with exclamation mark indicator appears next to the “Return to saved Comment” button when draft comments are saved in the system.
9. Review and Submit
Once you have completed your comment:
Click the "Review and Submit" button at the bottom of the form.
This will take you to a review screen displaying your comment(s) in full.
Review all information for accuracy and completeness.
On this review screen, you have three options:
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The review screen also includes a "Print" button that allows you to create a printed copy of your comments for your records.
If you choose to submit, your comment will be recorded in the system and made available for review by the appropriate stakeholders.
Fig 6 The review screen allows users to verify comment content and make any necessary modifications before final submission.
Submitted by brianscarpelli on
Comments of the Connected Health Initiative
The Connected Health Initiative supports adding the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set to the Applicable Vocabulary Standards listed in Diagnostic Imaging – Diagnostic Imaging Test as the CPT code set contains a comprehensive and regularly curated list of several hundred diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures.