How to code nullFlavor for multiple race codes

[Vinod]

Hello All,

If we have a patient with multiple races, my understanding is that we code the first one using the <raceCode> element and others using the <sdtc:raceCode> element. Now, if the second (or subsequent) races don't have codes that validate (e.g. 2131-1 for "Other" does not validate), how do I record them? The validator does not seem to like nullFlavor="UNK" for the <sdtc:raceCoode> element (although it has no problem with nullFlavor for <raceCode>).

Thanks!

Vinod

[Dragon]

Vinod,

I am just going through all the threads and saw that there was no response on this thread.

You can use nullFlavors on the sdtc elements. For e.g a nullFlavor on a stdc:raceCode element would look like:
<raceCode nullFlavor="UNK" xmlns="urn:hl7-org:sdtc"/>

Also I have posted the question and the current behavior of the CCDA validator with respect to race Codes at http://forum.sitplatform.org/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=23 as part of the recently launched ONC “Standards Implementation and Testing Platform”.

In short, the CCDA validator is only allowing the 5 values (mentioned in the OMB standards) from the CDC Value set in (patient/raceCode data element), but the patient/sdtc:raceCode data element allows any value from the value set. This is being re-examined by the ONC technical and policy teams and we will keep you updated.

Thanks
Dragon
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