Mapping SNOMED CT to ICD-10.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Terminology
• International Health Standards

Background:

• The International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation (IHTSDO) and World Health Organization (WHO) collaborated to address reporting needs.
• Existing terminologies require cross-mapping for comprehensive epidemiological, statistical, and administrative data utilization.
• Standardized health terminology is crucial for global health information exchange.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a priority set of cross maps between SNOMED CT and ICD-10.
• To facilitate accurate data reporting for IHTSDO member countries and WHO Collaborating Centres.
• To enhance the interoperability of health terminologies for international health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Approximately 20,000 SNOMED CT concepts were mapped to ICD-10 using a dedicated mapping tool.
• Mapping heuristics and validation processes were developed by the IHTSDO Map Special Interest Group (MapSIG) and the Joint Advisory Group (JAG).
• Mapping personnel underwent specific training, and quality metrics assessed the training effectiveness. Independent validation was performed by the American Health Information Management Association.

Main Results:

• A priority set of cross maps from SNOMED CT to ICD-10 was successfully generated.
• The mapping process involved approximately 20,000 SNOMED CT concepts.
• Training effectiveness was evaluated using quality metrics, and an independent validation confirmed map content.

Conclusions:

• The collaboration successfully produced a foundational set of SNOMED CT to ICD-10 cross maps.
• Lessons learned from this initial mapping phase are informing the completion of remaining SNOMED CT concept mappings.
• This work supports improved data consistency and reporting capabilities within international health contexts.