The Attachments template is used to reference any external file within the context of a part of the patient’s record (e.g. lab results, x-ray images, etc.). There are many use cases where clinical content may not be incorporated discretely into the EMR system, but linked to the relevant record through the attachment mechanism.

When an external file is attached to the patient’s medical record there are certain meta data regarding that file that must be captured and communicated with the file to ensure that the context of the external file in relation to the medical record is maintained. This meta data may include the date the attachment is received, its title and author. The addition of keywords may also be used to facilitate searching, filtering and sorting attachments within the EMR. Additionally, the EMR may provide the ability for the user to add notes or observations regarding the attachment for future reference.

The Attachment itself may be embedded into the CDA document; or, more commonly referenced as an external document located within the message wrapper, a recognized file system, or at a web location. Refer to the EncapsulatedDatatemplate for details on the transmission of attached files.