Implementation guide for interoperable medicines

This guidance is under active development by NHS England and content may be added or updated on a regular basis.

Use of Synonyms

In most instances it is anticipated that the UK Preferred term should be the term applied to SNOMED CT concepts. Where a synonym is used, see below for how we recommend this is represented. Note that this currently differs from UKCore Guidance on the use of CodeableConcept but UKCore guidance will be under-going review in due course and is likely to change to align with the below.

Using a UK preferred term

<!-- using the UK preferred term, where <method> uses a FHIR CodeableConcept -->
<method>
    <coding>
        <system value="http://snomed.info/sct"/>
        <code value="422145002"/>
        <display value="Inject"/>
    </coding>
</method>

Using a synonym

<!-- using the synonym "Rectum" of preferred term "Rectum structure", where <site> uses a FHIR CodeableConcept -->
<site>
    <coding>
        <system value="http://snomed.info/sct"/>
        <code value="34402009"/>
        <display value="Rectum structure"/>
    </coding>
    <text value="Rectum" />
</site>

Using a Fully Specified Name (FSN)

Important: International SNOMED-CT guidance states that the Fully Specified Name (FSN) is not intended to be displayed in clinical records.

<!-- using the Fully Specified Name (FSN), where <method> uses a FHIR CodeableConcept -->
<method>
    <coding>
        <system value="http://snomed.info/sct"/>
        <code value="422145002"/>
        <display value="Inject - dosing instruction imperative (qualifier value)"/>
    </coding>
</method>
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