Which data type allows for the transmission of a controlled vocabulary value as a code or identifier?

The correct answer is CE, which stands for "Coded Element." This data type is specifically designed to transmit a controlled vocabulary value in the form of a code or identifier, along with additional descriptive information. CE is used extensively in healthcare standards to ensure that specific terms are used consistently across different systems, which is crucial for interoperability among healthcare applications.

CE consists of several components: the coding system (the namespace or source of the code), the code itself (the actual value that refers to a controlled term), and the display text that people can understand. This structure allows for rich data representation, enabling systems to align with established vocabularies, such as SNOMED CT or LOINC.

In contrast, the other data types serve different purposes. HD (Hierarchically Defined Data) is used for hierarchical identifiers, often for organizations and facilities. ID (Identifier) is typically a unique alphanumeric string designated for items, like patient IDs, but doesn’t inherently specify controlled vocabulary. IS (Coded Value for User-Defined Tables) is used for coded values but does not include the extensive structure necessary to reference a controlled vocabulary in the same way CE does. This distinction makes CE uniquely suited for transmitting coded information within health informatics.