Coding for Standardised Data Entry
Coding uses sets of predefined lists to record data on the patient's Demographic tab. They record standardised patient details, such as country of birth, marital status, and preferred language, by choosing a value from a list rather than typing the data. Because every user picks from the same list, the information stays consistent across all your patients, which makes it reliable for reports and letters.
Coding vs Custom Fields
HealthTrack has two ways to record extra information against a patient, and they work differently.
|
|
Coding fields | Custom fields |
|---|---|---|
| Location | The patient's Demographic tab | The patient's Clinical Summary tab |
| Data Entry Type | Chosen from a predefined list | Typed or selected as a value of the field's type: Date, Y/N, Number, Float, or Text |
| Defined By | Lists may be maintained by HealthTrack or your Practice Manager | Created in Admin > Custom Fields |
Recording Coding Data
- Select the Coding button in the Demographic tab.
- Select Edit for the field to be recorded.
- Choose an option from the list presented.
- Select Save & Close.
- Select Save to finalise data entry.
Common Coding Lists
These coding fields are referenced elsewhere in HealthTrack, such as patient admissions:
- Country of birth
- Ethnicity
- Marital status
- Preferred language
Using Coding in Letters
Coding field values can be inserted into letter templates using coding tags. The tag format is <HMS-Coding_DescriptionOfCodingField>, using the field name from the Coding screen without spaces. For example, <HMS-Coding_CountryOfBirth> inserts the patient's recorded country of birth.
The full list of tags is in the Letter Template Tags article, under Coding Tags.