Code Systems
Units of Measure
A unit of measure is required when describing a dosage and can be supplied via one of the following:
The Unified Code for Units of Measure (UCUM)
The Unified Code for Units of Measure (UCUM) is preferred and should be used where possible.
Examples of when a UCUM unit of measure would be used are:
- gram (g)
- milliliter (ml)
- percent (%)
SNOMED
In the instance where a UCUM unit of measure is not defined, use a SNOMED-CT unit of measure instead. All units of measure are descendants of concept 767524001 | Unit of measure (qualifier value)
which includes both UCUM and non-UCUM codes.
Concept 732935002 | Unit of presentation (unit of presentation)
, which is also a descendant of the Unit of measure concept, holds a list non-UCUM units of measure that are used within prescribing:
Examples of where a SNOMED-CT unit of measure would typically be used are:
- tablet
- capsule
- ampoule
- patch