All Vocabulary is the superset of the data contained within PHIN VADS.
The vocabulary domain consists of: Value Sets, Value Set Concepts, Code Systems, Code System Concepts,
Views (Messaging Guides), and Groups.
A value set is a collection of concepts from one or more code systems and grouped together for a specific
purpose (e.g. Body Site).
HL7 Version 3 Core Principles Definition:
A Value Set represents a uniquely identifiable set of valid concept representations, where any concept representation
can be tested to determine whether or not it is a member of the value set. It is also the default vocabulary object
on the PHIN VADS Search page.
A value set concept is the code and name for a concept as used in a value set (e.g. Arm, Leg).
A code system is a collection of concepts from a vocabulary standard (e.g., HL7, ICD-9).
HL7 Version 3 Core Principles Definition:
A code system is a managed collection of concept identifiers, usually codes, but sometimes more complex sets
of rules and references. They are often described as collections of uniquely identifiable concepts with associated
representations, designations, associations, and meanings.
Examples of code systems include ICD-9 CM, SNOMED CT, LOINC, and CPT.
To meet the requirements of a code system as defined by HL7, a given concept representation
must resolve to one and only one meaning within the code system. In the terminology model,
a code system is represented by the Code System class. Code systems are often referred to
as terminologies, vocabularies, or coding schemes.
A code system concept is a vocabulary standard's code and description for a concept
as used in a codes system (e.g. ICD-9 = 487.0, Influenza).
HL7 Version 3 Core Principles Definition:
A concept defines a unitary mental representation of a real or abstract thing;
an atomic unit of thought. It should be unique in a given code system.
A concept may have synonyms in terms of representation and it may be
a primitive or compositional term.
A view is a collection of value sets used by an implementation guide, e.g.,
TB , HAI. A view can also be referred to as the Implementation Guide vocabulary,
which includes the value sets associated with a Message Mapping Guide or a
CDA Implementation Guide. Views are used mainly for indexing the value sets in PHIN VADS.
Examples:
(a) Tuberculosis Message Mapping Guide Vocabulary View
(b) Healthcare Associated Infection CDA Implementation Guide Vocabulary View.
A group is a collection of like value sets categorized by a subject or theme.
PHIN Vocabulary Groups are used mainly for indexing the value sets in PHIN VADS.
Examples:
(a) The Demographics group will contain all of the value sets related to demographics
such as Countries, Counties, Cities, Sex, etc.
(b) The Laboratory group will contain all of the value sets related to Lab tests
and results such as specimen or sample type, Hepatitis Lab Tests, Microorganism, etc.
These PHIN Vocabulary Groups roughly follow the scope of the White House E-Gov
Consolidation Health Informatics (CHI) domains.
