> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-ct-practical-guides/snomed-ct-postcoordination-guide/expressions-in-the-ehr/storing-patient-data-using-expressions.md).

# Storing Patient Data using Expressions

Storing Patient Data using Expressions

When implementing postcoordinated SNOMED CT expressions, there are different approaches to storage that may be considered.

* [Store the full expression in the same way as you would store any coded data item](/snomed-ct-practical-guides/snomed-ct-postcoordination-guide/expressions-in-the-ehr/storing-patient-data-using-expressions/store-the-full-expression.md)
* [Reference the expression in the record storage using a local expression identifier, and hold the expressions in a separate expression repository](/snomed-ct-practical-guides/snomed-ct-postcoordination-guide/expressions-in-the-ehr/storing-patient-data-using-expressions/store-expression-identifier.md)
* [Store the expression parts individually in separate fields](/snomed-ct-practical-guides/snomed-ct-postcoordination-guide/expressions-in-the-ehr/storing-patient-data-using-expressions/store-expression-parts-individually.md)

These approaches are described in the following pages.

<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTmbZIf0UEQwYDkY27EEWBkaiYkHSbR0_9DmFrMLXoQLyL7Q/viewform?usp=pp_url&#x26;entry.1767247133=Postcoordination+Guide&#x26;entry.670899847=Storing%20Patient%20Data%20using%20Expressions" class="button primary">Provide Feedback</a>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-ct-practical-guides/snomed-ct-postcoordination-guide/expressions-in-the-ehr/storing-patient-data-using-expressions.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
