copyright © 2001 college of american pathologists “i can’t find the right snomed code - what...

Copyright © 2001 College of American Pathologists

““I Can’t Find the Right SNOMED I Can’t Find the Right SNOMED Code -Code -What Should I Do ?”What Should I Do ?”

A Guide to :-

– Searching for terms

– Using modifiers and

– Composing coded phrases

Help


Is the Term Is the Term ReallyReally Missing? Missing?

• If you require a certain code, or term for your application and you can not find it in SNOMED, what should you do ?

– Think of other words that can be used to express the same idea? Search again based on these words. Example

– Check a medical dictionary

– Contact your software developer. They may have access to a SNOMED update.

Still can’t find it ?


Is the Term Is the Term ReallyReally Missing? Missing?

• Can the concept you are trying to express be created by adding a modifier to an existing concept. Examples

• Can the concept be broken down into 2 or more concepts, with valid codes?

Example - Two procedures in one sentence

Examples - Single procedure expressed using multiple data fields in an application


Example - Search Using Different Example - Search Using Different WordsWords

• Can’t find “Lung Cancer”

• Try searching for “Lung Carcinoma”


Example - Using Modifiers Example - Using Modifiers

• Some software systems allow the use of modifiers to refine the meaning of a concept. Software developers should consult with the SNOMED International organization to determine appropriate usage for modifiers.

• E.g., Routine mammography– Procedure : Mammography (P5-40010)– Modifiers : Routine (G-D220)

• Emergency major split thickness skin graft– Procedure : Split thickness skin graft (P1-40D14)– Modifiers : Emergency, Major (G-D209,G-A216)


Example - Breaking Terms DownExample - Breaking Terms Down

• “Excision of burn with split thickness skin graft”

The word “with” is often an indication that a term can be broken down into two separate codes.

– Excisional debridement of burn (P1-403A1)– Split thickness skin graft (P1-40D14)

• Note - Some software systems only allow one SNOMED code to be used per data field. Speak to your software developer about modifying your system to meet your coding requirements.



• Some software systems provide data fields in their application that allow coded items to be broken down and refined in a logical and consistent fashion.

E.g., Excision of cyst from femur

Procedure : Excision of cyst from bone (P1-10331)Body Site : Femur (T-12710)

Another example



• E.g., Open drainage of cyst of pancreas

Procedure : Incision and drainage (P0-02032)Body Site : Pancreas (T-65000)Morphology : Cyst (M-3340A)Approach : Open Approach (G-D057)Equipment :

Another example



• E.g., Excision and debridement of first degree burn of the upper leg

Procedure : Excisional debridement of burn (P1-403A1)Body Site : Above knee region (T-D9160)Morphology : First degree burn (M-11102)Approach : Equipment :

Another example



• E.g., Laser removal of tattoo

Procedure : Excision of tattoo of skin (P1-40316)Body Site : Morphology :Approach : Equipment : Laser device (A-23000)


More InformationMore Information

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copyright © 2001 college of american pathologists “i can’t find the right snomed code - what...

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