HL7 RCP Response Control Parameter
HL7 field reference RCP fields from HL7 v2.5.1 Show fields
These are the generated fields for the version selected at the top of the page. The document stays the same, but the reference panel follows that version.
Fields
| Field | Name | Required | Repeatable | Type | Table |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCP.1 | Query Priority | No | No | ID | 0091 |
| RCP.2 | Quantity Limited Request | No | No | CQ | 0126 |
| RCP.3 | Response Modality | No | No | CE | 0394 |
| RCP.4 | Execution and Delivery Time | No | No | TS | |
| RCP.5 | Modify Indicator | No | No | ID | 0395 |
| RCP.6 | Sort-by Field | No | Yes | SRT | |
| RCP.7 | Segment group inclusion | No | Yes | ID |
RCP controls how a query response should be returned, including limits, timing, and continuation behaviour.
Query segments define what the sender is asking for, how the receiver should format the answer, and how a multi-message response is continued or limited.
A query is an interface contract. The tag, parameters, row definitions, sort/filter rules, and continuation pointers must match exactly or the receiver may return technically valid data that is not what the requester expected.
The v2.5.1 structures show RCP in QBP_Q11 - QBP - Query by parameter requesting an RSP segment pattern response, QBP_Q13 - QBP - Query by parameter requesting an RTB - tabular response, QBP_Q15 - QBP - Query by parameter requesting an RDY display response, and QBP_Q21 - QBP - Get person demographics, and 9 other message structures. That tells you where it can appear, but the implementation guide still decides which optional fields are meaningful.
For practical interface work, read the generated field panel for datatype, required, repeatable, and table details, then use the notes below to decide what the field should mean in the receiving workflow.
RCP-1 qualifies the query workflow rather than identifying it. This is the sort of field receivers often use for branching, filtering, or display grouping.
Use the agreed value set, starting from HL7 table 0091. A local code without an agreed coding system is a small ambiguity that becomes a mapping problem later.
RCP-2 carries a measured, counted, priced, or dosed value. A number without the expected unit, currency, or companion qualifier is much easier to misread than an empty field.
The generated panel links this to HL7 table 0126; many real interfaces narrow that list further, so follow the receiver's implementation guide.
RCP-3 carries Response Modality for this query workflow. Populate it only when the receiver has a clear use for it, and keep the value in the datatype shape shown in the generated field panel.
The generated panel links this to HL7 table 0394; many real interfaces narrow that list further, so follow the receiver's implementation guide.
RCP-4 is a timing field. Send the real source-system precision, do not pad unknown dates or times, and agree how timezone offsets are handled when time of day matters.
RCP-5 tells the receiver the state of this query workflow. Status fields often drive workflow branches, so use the agreed code and do not infer a status just because another field looks complete.
The coded value should follow HL7 table 0395 or the narrower table in the local profile.
RCP-6 carries Sort-by Field for this query workflow. Populate it only when the receiver has a clear use for it, and keep the value in the datatype shape shown in the generated field panel.
This field can repeat. Use repetitions for separate real-world values, not as a workaround for putting several unrelated ideas in one field.
RCP-7 carries Segment group inclusion for this query workflow. Populate it only when the receiver has a clear use for it, and keep the value in the datatype shape shown in the generated field panel.
This field can repeat. Use repetitions for separate real-world values, not as a workaround for putting several unrelated ideas in one field.
Related links
- QPD - Query Parameter Definition
- QAK - Query Acknowledgment
- DSC - Continuation Pointer
- RDF - Table Row Definition
- RDT - Table Row Data
- MSA - Message Acknowledgment
- ERR - Error
- QBP_Q11 - QBP - Query by parameter requesting an RSP segment pattern response
- QBP_Q13 - QBP - Query by parameter requesting an RTB - tabular response
- QBP_Q15 - QBP - Query by parameter requesting an RDY display response