SNOMED FAQs

These FAQ’s have been generated by questions asked by customers. If you have any further questions about how to use SNOMED in EXACT please email support@soeuk.com and we will respond to your query and update this article where required.

If you have any questions about SNOMED CT please visit the GDC-UK Website

When does SNOMED go live?

English NHS practices have been advised to begin using SNOMED mapped service codes from a new start date of 01/09/2021

We are still waiting for official confirmation for other regions.

What version of EXACT do I need to use SNOMED?

Any version from 13.82 includes SNOMED and the pre-mapped default service codes.

Do I have to re-base chart every patient?

The DSSA has not been able to obtain an answer to this question. Note: codes in the reduced SNOMED CT reference set relate only to treatment.

How much work will this be?

There is upfront work required to map EXACT codes to SNOMED CT codes and check the pre-mapped default EXACT codes. If all SNOMED codes for that service item are set as default then there will be nothing to do for these services, however, further “clicks” will be required for “One to Many” mapped items whilst treating patients.

Where can I get a copy of the reduced SNOMED CT reference set?

The reduced list of the SNOMED codes & descriptions for Dental related services can be found on the NHSBSA website

Can I be sure the reduced SNOMED CT reference set that DSSA members are using is acceptable?

No.  You need to satisfy yourself you are using an appropriate reference set.  The DSSA continues to press various authorities and industry bodies for a definitive statement on the SNOMED CT reference code set that should be used in UK dentistry.

I am fully private. Do I need to adopt SNOMED CT?

The DSSA’s understanding is that this change relates only to NHS patients but you should seek to satisfy yourself that this is correct.

If an NHS patient receives some private care do I need to apply SNOMED CT codes to private charted items?

The DSSA has been unable to obtain a firm answer to this question.  If the answer is yes, this will mean you need to ensure your private codes have SNOMED CT codes applied.

Do I have to keep my codes up-to-date?

Yes

Where can I get a copy of the full SNOMED CT reference set (311,000 codes)?

The official SNOMED website