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Value Sets
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Resolution: Delivered
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Minor
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Improper SNOMED CT codes can lead to semantic drift
There are several SNOMED CT value sets scattered throughout several CQMS using SNOMED CT codes that should not be used in that particular value set. Ie. a value set should not mix SNOMED CT disorder, procedure or finding codes with SNOMED CT attribute codes such as qualifiers or morphologic abnormalities.
Here are two examples:
Patient Reason 2.16.840.1.113883.3.117.1.7.1.474 is a list of findings and sitatuations, but has two SNOMED CT qualifer codes in it.
443390004 Refused (qualifier value) and 385648002 Rejected by recipient (qualifier value)
In SNOMED CT, Qualifiers are not allowed to stand on their own, they must be attached to a SNOMED CT code that can stand alone.
Another example is:
2.16.840.1.113883.3.666.5.1570 Congenital Anomalies Group has 18465005 Anomalous origin of vein (morphologic abnormality), but the other items in the value set are findings or disorders. Again, morphologic abnormality should not be used in a value set of disorders/findings. They could be use in a value set of other morphologic abnormalities, but should not mix with findings disorders.
These two value sets are ok (2.16.840.1.113883.3.117.2.7.1.14 ( and 2.16.840.1.113883.3.67.1.101.11.724, principal) ) because they are used to qualify a diagnosis as the principal diagnoses.
May I suggest that all SNOMED CT value sets be reviewed to make sure the values inside the value sets are used in the manner intended by SNOMED CT.