Normalized imaging procedures (SNOMED CT, LOINC, both, etc)

Hello,
Ontario Health had developed a SNOMED CT Terminology Ref Set for diagnostic imaging procedures intended to be used as the standard for procedures terms in our DI provincial repository.This was never implemented, but we did include a provincial User Interface Term and Code in addition to the SNOMED CT term and codes given similar challenges identified that Sisira outlined regarding inability to support these codes in some source systems.
We are looking to potentially re-assess the appropriate terminology standard for future application in our provincial solution. We would also be looking to explore others standards such as LOINC as an alternate option for future use instead of SNOMED CT. Primary uses cases are to support consistent viewing/filtering/sorting in clinical viewers, to support FEM and for downstream analytics.
We would also be interested to hear what experts in the field consider appropriate terminology standard(s) to leverage for medical imaging procedures for these purposes.
Regards,
Janice

Hello,
A few years ago, NLCHI standardized the Medical Imaging dictionaries in Meditech (NL source system) with the support of the Regional Health Authorities. It was decided to use a local terminology in the NL medical imaging dictionaries. The decision was impacted by the following reasons:
- Lack of SNOMED CT support within the Meditech environment for medical imaging;
- Constrained number of characters available in Meditech for the procedure name; and,
- Reduced impact on front line staff given that many of the procedure descriptions used in the provincial standard are similar to what currently exists.

Thanks,
Sisira De Silva (NL Centre for Health Information)

Currently, we are working on harmonizing a set of medical imaging procedures for the province. The goal is to facilitate the coding of imaging procedures with a standardized set. We are analyzing the different terminologies in order to choose the most appropriate one for the project, but we would also like to be in line with what is done elsewhere in Canada.

Thank you.

Hello,

Would we be able to have more information about your project?

Specifically, goals for this work, is this for image management, i.e. pre-fetching and Foreign exam management; report repository management, i.e. querying; or data management? The standardization of medical imaging procedures starts with harmonization of the procedure concepts (i.e. fully defined and agreed upon by clinical SMEs) to be used for defining a set standardization medical imaging procedures, along with the goals this standardizes medical imaging procedure set facilitate. Then determine which standard terminology or ontology will be used to support achieving your goals.

Look forward to learning more about your project.

Thanks, David.

We have a project underway to standardize medical imaging procedures using recognized terminology. Basically, DICOM is proposing LOINC-RSNA Radiology Playbook of Imaging Procedures and SNOMED CT. In order to be consistent with what is currently being done elsewhere in Canada, we would like to know what you are currently using in your jurisdiction or if you have any work in progress in this area.

For reference we are looking at DICOM PS3.16 2022a - Content Mapping Resource p 585-586