What is it about?
SNOMED-CT is to replace the other coding systems in parts of UK. Thus we wanted to find out the use of the current Read codes in primary care, taking allergy as an exemplar in Scotland. Data on 11 potentially allergic diseases were analysed from over 2 million primary-care consultation records collected in over 100,000 patients in Scotland during the period 2003 to 2010.
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Why is it important?
• The Read system used to code patient findings in UK primary care will not be updated from April 2016 (source: Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), England). • The National Information Board (NIB) has specified that o the more detailed, multi-axial SNOMED CT coding system is to be used as the single terminology in all care settings in England o all primary care systems are to adopt SNOMED CT by the end of December 2016 o the entire health system should adopt SNOMED CT by April 2020. The big question: Will changing the coding system from Read codes to the more comprehensive SNOMED-CT improve coding in primary care?
Perspectives
SNOMED-CT, the more extensive coding system cannot by itself improve coding in primary care if GPs continue to code as they currently do with Read codes. Better designed, GP-friendly data entry screens and training are needed to promote using more detailed, accurate coding.
Ms Mome Mukherjee
University of Edinburgh
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Usage of allergy codes in primary care electronic health records: a national evaluation in Scotland, Allergy, June 2016, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/all.12928.
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