Unambiguous requests

The clinical term requested should reflect the precise meaning of the concept to prevent ambiguity. This may involve clarifications and negotiations between the clinical author and the requester.

Combined concepts are discouraged (with a few exceptions)

Combined concepts are where two or more concepts are represented in the same term (e.g. Did not attend clinic due to bereavement, Referred to GP for management of diabetes).

Laterality and drugs

Adding drugs or laterality into the clinical term requested is not advised except where there is a significant business requirement and high usage (e.g. left ventricular failure).

Requests for local 'Template' or 'Form' creations

Similar clinical terms may already exist and these should be considered before requesting new concepts. Rejection of requests similar to existing clinical terms is to prevent overproduction of terms which may have many similarities; thus leading to inconsistencies in term use and ultimately retrieval of data.

Hierarchy suggestions

The addition to the terminology and placement of terms lies ultimately with the UKTC. Although parents or hierarchies may be suggested these are not always appropriate.

Read Code version

The version of Read Codes which a system uses can be obtained directly from your system supplier. Please make sure this information is accurately supplied in your read change request.

Please check your local arrangements before submitting requests. Many GP practices make requests either via their local system supplier or centrally via other means.