Back to CIHI’s SNOMED CT CA to classifications maps
CIHI has developed more than 100,000 semi-automated rule-based maps from SNOMED CT CA (the Canadian edition of the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine — Clinical Terms) to ICD-10-CA (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Canada) target codes. These maps lay the groundwork for semi-automated coding.
Note that all SNOMED CT hierarchies contain some content not within the scope of the classifications. Concepts from the following SNOMED CT domains have been mapped: clinical finding (disorders and findings), events and some situations with explicit context.
The maps incorporate classification rules and Canadian coding standard directives, and support data collection for CIHI’s health indicators.
The maps may also be used to develop subsets to support specialty areas, such as colonoscopy clinics, cataract clinics and rehabilitation.
Resources to support implementation of the SNOMED CT CA to ICD-10-CA maps and training on how to use the maps can be found under Resource materials.
Licensing requirements
The use of CIHI refset maps requires licensing agreements for both ICD-10-CA (from CIHI) and SNOMED CT (from Canada Health Infoway).
ICD-10-CA is available at no charge to Core Plan subscribers or for purchase by non–Core Plan clients. To request a user licence for ICD-10-CA, contact the CIHI Order Desk at help@cihi.ca.
To access SNOMED CT, an implementer must create a Canada Health Infoway account and confirm acceptance, annually, of the Terms of Use and Licence Agreements. Once a licence agreement is in place, release package files are made available for download by Canada Health Infoway to Canadian organizations at no cost via the Terminology Gateway.
Create a Canada Health Infoway account
Release and maintenance schedule
The maps will be updated to align with new version releases for
- SNOMED CT CA
- ICD-10-CA
Pan-Canadian Health Concern Value Set (PHCVS), and CIHI SNOMED CT CA to ICD-10-CA Map — Public Submission Form
The Pan-Canadian Health Concern Value Set (PHCVS) and the CIHI SNOMED CT CA to ICD-10-CA Map will be updated to align with the release of SNOMED CT CA. Use this form to request changes to the maps for the next version update.
Highlights
Benefits of using the SNOMED CT CA to ICD-10-CA maps include the following:
- Can serve as a tool to support real-time data analysis, systematic statistical data collection and national reporting
- Supports semantic interoperability between EHRs and health care systems
- Reduces the burden of manual coding by allowing clinical coders to concentrate their efforts on more complex cases
- When the SNOMED CT concept is selected at the point of care by the clinician, ICD-10-CA codes are readily available for the coder to validate and submit into an abstract. This enhances timeliness of coding and accuracy of code assignment for improved data quality.
Resource materials
Vendor Implementation Guide
Informs vendors and interested parties of the availability of the CIHI SNOMED CT Refsets, describes use cases and provides guidance on key considerations for implementation in an EHR/EMR system.
Coder Education Manual
Provides coders with an overview of how the SNOMED CT CA to ICD-10-CA maps were created, along with instructions for processing, reviewing and validating ICD-10-CA codes for entry into a coding abstract.
Featured materials
Maps for acute care
The SNOMED CT CA to ICD-10-CA maps are now available through our vendor resource page and CIHI’s eStore.
Pilot testing opportunities
Interested in an exciting opportunity to test the SNOMED CT CA to ICD-10-CA maps to see how they can improve your data collection?
Go to pilot testing opportunities