precoordinated expression

A SNOMED CT expression that containing a single concept identifier that represents an idea.

Precoordinated expressions combine all aspects of a potentially multifaceted concept into a single discrete form.
The syntax used to represent SNOMED CT expressions is called the SNOMED CT compositional grammar and is formally defined in the Compositional Grammar - Specification and Guide.

The procedure, laparoscopic emergency appendectomy can be represented with the precoordinated expression 174041007 |laparoscopic emergency appendectomy| to record an instance of this procedure. This procedure has at least three distinct facets: removal of appendix, using a laparoscope, and as an emergency procedure. SNOMED CT precoordinates these facets in one concept.

Alternatives