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ConceptMap Operations

ConceptMap resources define mappings between codes in different code systems -- essential for data integration across systems that use different terminologies.

note

The pre-built terminology service currently focuses on ValueSet and CodeSystem operations. ConceptMap operations ($translate, $closure) are FHIR-standard reference/examples for future implementation — not currently supported by the terminology service.

ConceptMap in FHIR

A ConceptMap defines relationships between codes in a source code system and codes in a target code system. Common use cases include:

SourceTargetUse Case
ICD-9-CMICD-10-CMLegacy system migration
HL7v2 tablesFHIR code systemsHL7v2 to FHIR transformation
Local codesSNOMED CTStandardization
SNOMED CTICD-10Billing and reporting

$translate

The $translate operation translates a code from one system to another using a ConceptMap.

FHIR-standard reference/example for future implementation — not currently supported by the terminology service.

Request

GET /fhir/r4/ConceptMap/$translate?url=http://example.org/ConceptMap/icd9-to-icd10&system=http://hl7.org/fhir/sid/icd-9-cm&code=250.00&targetsystem=http://hl7.org/fhir/sid/icd-10-cm

Response

{
"resourceType": "Parameters",
"parameter": [
{"name": "result", "valueBoolean": true},
{
"name": "match",
"part": [
{"name": "equivalence", "valueCode": "equivalent"},
{
"name": "concept",
"valueCoding": {
"system": "http://hl7.org/fhir/sid/icd-10-cm",
"code": "E11.9",
"display": "Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications"
}
}
]
}
]
}

Match Equivalence Types

EquivalenceMeaning
equivalentExact semantic match
widerTarget is broader in meaning
narrowerTarget is narrower in meaning
inexactApproximate match
unmatchedNo match found

Creating ConceptMaps

You can define custom ConceptMap resources for your mappings:

{
"resourceType": "ConceptMap",
"url": "http://example.org/ConceptMap/local-to-loinc",
"status": "active",
"sourceUri": "http://example.org/CodeSystem/local-lab-codes",
"targetUri": "http://loinc.org",
"group": [
{
"source": "http://example.org/CodeSystem/local-lab-codes",
"target": "http://loinc.org",
"element": [
{
"code": "GLU",
"display": "Glucose",
"target": [
{
"code": "2345-7",
"display": "Glucose [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma",
"equivalence": "equivalent"
}
]
}
]
}
]
}