Creating Custom Z-Segments |
Custom Z-segments typically contain patient, lab or clinical data that are not a part of the HL7 standard. Z-segments can contain any type of data that you want such as custom patient demographics data or special lab results information. However, before including Z-segments in your HL7 implementation, you should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Z-segments offer you flexibility and can contain any type of data you want. | No Z-segment implementation is identical (i.e. you cannot expect any particular piece of information to be in the same place between different HL7 implementations). |
| You can include data that was not a part of the original HL7 implementation in a Z-segment. | When you use Z-segments, you must document what is included in them thoroughly. Fortunately, Chameleon can generate this documentation for you automatically. For more information, see Using the Documentation Wizard. |
| Applications that do not know the meaning of Z-segments can be set up to ignore them. | When Z-segments are used it adds uniquely defined elements into data transactions between healthcare applications, which creates an uncommon vocabulary between systems. By not using Z-segments, you can create a system that is interoperable with any other because you are adhering to a common standard. |
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To learn more about Z-segments, see Custom Segments: HL7 Z-segments. | ||
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To create custom Z-segments, there are three options:
- Right-click Segments in the Workspace, and select New > Segment (as shown below);
Creating a Custom Segment From the Workspace
- Click the Segment icon in the toolbar; or
- Click Workspace > New > Segment.
Whatever method you choose, the new custom Z-segment will appear in the Workspace under Segments:
Workspace, Showing New Created Segment
To rename and define the new segment:
- Right-click the segment and choose Rename Segment.
- Double-click the new segment to open up its Segment Definition window.
- Add as many fields as necessary using the right-click context menu.
Defining the Z-Segment
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| To learn more about the options you have for defining segments, see Viewing the Segment Definition. | ||
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