Local Code Systems

Snow Owl supports the creation of local code systems (LCS) .

• The LCS view (left side of the screenshot) allows you to create new local code systems where each root node represents a separate local code system to group the local codes under. These local codes can later be referenced in value domains and mappings.
• There are two types of editors: The editor for LCS and the editor for local codes (right side of the screenshot). Please refer to the Editing and Authoring section for more information about the editing local codes.

Local code system view and editor

The following sections discuss browsing LCS, for information about editing LCS please refer to the respective chapter in the user guide.

LCS view

The LCS view uses the same functions as the other concept navigators in Snow Owl: You can use the text field to do filter searches, display filter results hierarchically or as a flat list, link with the open editor, set a concept as the root node, and return to the default root node, etc. Please refer to the section about the SNOMED CT view for more details. The LCS parents view displays the hierarchy in reverse order.

LCS view and parents view

LCS editor

The editor for LCS consists of the Overview tab and the Metadata tab.

The properties of the LCS are displayed on the Overview tab

• Name: The name of the Local Code System.
• Short Name: This is the display name used in the view.
• Code System ID: A string identifying the specific version of the LCS.
• Code System Version
• Description: Information describing the LCS.
• Maintaining organization link: Source of the LCS, identifying the originator or publisher of the information.
• Comments: Additional information about the LCS can be entered here.

LCS Overview

Different groupings can be defined on the Metadata tab. It's also possible to assign keywords so that retrieval requests can find the relevant groups, and they may assign OIDs for these groups.

LCS Metadata

Local code editor

The local code editor opens when double-clicking on a local code. It consists of three tabs: Overview, Mappings, Value domain membership.

The Overview tab shows

• Code: Unique identifier, this can be digits, or letters or any combination.
• Term: The associated name of the local code.
• Status: Active or inactive (unchecked box)
• Effective time
• Alternative terms: Terms with the same meaning can be added by clicking on the Add new term button.

Local code editor

The Mappings tab shows if the local code is referenced in a Mapping set. The following information is displayed in the table:

• Reference set type: Name of the mapping set.
• Referenced component: Map source.
• Map target
• Status: If the membership is active.
• Effective time: Publication date of the membership.

Local code editor mappings

The Value domain membership tab shows if the local code is referenced in a value domain. The following information is displayed in the table:

• Value domain: Name of the value domain.
• Term: Name of the local code.
• Status: If the membership is active.
• Member effective time: Publication date of the membership.
• Code system name: Name of the LCS
• Code system version: Version of the LCS
• Code system ID: Unique identifier of the LCS.

Local code editor value domain membership

Search Local Code Systems

Quick search

Searching for local codes works similar to searching within other terminologies. Search results for local code systems (LCS) or local codes appear as a separate category. Local code systems are indicated by an icon, local codes by a icon.

Quick search results displaying matches for LCS

Filter search

The view allows to filter for Local Code Systems and local codes.

LCS filter search

Advanced search

There's a tab in the Advanced search dialog for Local Code Systems. Check the box to specify the search for:

• Code, Term, Alternative Term
• Status: Active or inactive
• Effective time: Use the calendar icon to specify a time range by entering start (left box) and end date (right box). If you enter a date only in the left box, the time range will extend from this date into the future. If you enter a date only in the right box, the time range will extend (from the past) up to this date. You can also search for unpublished Local Code Systems.

The search criteria can be combined by using

• ANY: At least one criterion has to be met
• ALL: All selected criteria have to be met

Advanced Search for Local Code Systems

Search results are displayed in the search view.

LCS search results