NHS England calls on practices to use SNOMED codes for Long Covid

NHS England is calling on GPs to use an initial set of SNOMED CT codes to support the management of the long-term effects of Covid-19. 

GPs are being urged to use the codes to help improve understanding of the condition and develop better treatments and care pathways.

The codes correspond to:

• Diagnostic categories
• Referral and signposting
• Assessment instruments and outcome measures
• Community care and self-care options.

The set of SNOMED CT codes was developed in conjunction with NICE, RCGP and SIGN – who have published guidance (including case definitions) on the management of the long-term effects of COVID 19 – along with NHS England and the Professional Records Standards Body.

NHS England said: ‘Knowledge about Long COVID is currently limited and evolving; the more we can use these codes, the more understanding we’re likely to gain over time.’

It added that further guidance on the management of the long-term effects of COVID 19 is available from both NICE and NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Further details on the codes are available on the NHS Digital SNAP update here.