Germany’s Bfarm Joins SNOMED International For SNOMED CT Nationwide Use

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has announced its membership in SNOMED International for national use of SNOMED CT, beginning this month. SNOMED CT, the world’s most comprehensive clinical terminology and a recognised critical element for the electronic exchange of health data, is an important building block to achieve Germany’s digitisation initiative. According to a statement, effective Jan 1, German users can register to request a free licence for use of SNOMED CT by visiting the BfArM’s National Release Center website. SNOMED International Chief Executive Officer, Don Sweete recognises the dedication and work Germany has committed to formally begin its SNOMED CT journey. “Furthering Germany’s digital health goals, SNOMED International membership will enable German users nationally to take advantage of augmented content areas such as Social Care and Social Determinants of Health, Genomics, Vaccines, and Devices.” Now with full membership, all German institutions and specialist groups involved in the health care sector wishing to use SNOMED CT in their applications can apply for a free licence from the BfArM. With over 350,000 concepts, SNOMED CT is not just a coding system of diagnosis. It also covers clinical findings like signs and symptoms and tens of thousands of surgical, therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. With SNOMED CT, users can record patient data more accurately, exchange patient data both within the health care team and with patients, both locally and across borders, to improve patient outcomes. -- BERNAMA