FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked question about the National Clinical Terminology Service (NCTS), including SNOMED CT-AU, the Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT), licensing and general queries. Browse the categories below to quickly access information and guidance. 

General FAQs

How do I get support, implementation assistance or provide feedback?

We provide support to help users implement and use NCTS terminology products and services. Whether you need technical assistance, implementation guidance or would like to provide feedback, submit a request using the Support Request form. We welcome feedback that helps improve our products and services.

How can I stay informed about NCTS releases and updates?

Visit our Updates and News pages for terminology releases, service updates, events and important announcements.

Users who register to access NCTS terminology products and services via this website will also receive regular NCTS release communications and notifications.

AMT FAQs

What is AMT and how is it used?

The Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) is Australia's national standard for representing medicines in digital health systems. It provides human-readable descriptions linked to unique, machine-readable identifiers that enable medicines information to be recorded, shared and used consistently across healthcare systems.

AMT includes standardised medicines concepts and relationships that support electronic prescribing, dispensing, administration, clinical documentation and the exchange of medicines information between healthcare providers and systems. This helps improve interoperability, patient safety and continuity of care.

What is included in the AMT monthly release and how often is it updated?

The Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) is updated monthly as part of the SNOMED CT-AU release. Updates may include recently listed PBS items, newly registered medicines, and terminology improvements, including amendments to existing content and medicines requested by users. Due to differences in PBS and AMT publication schedules, some PBS items may be published before the corresponding AMT concepts are available in an AMT release.

How do I request changes or additions to AMT content?

We welcome requests for new AMT content, corrections, synonyms and updates.

Depending on your needs, you can submit:

• An AMT content request for additions or changes to Australian Medicines Terminology content.
• A Medicinal Cannabis content request for medicinal cannabis terminology content.

Some request types support both single concept requests and bulk submissions. Visit the Request content page to select the most appropriate request type and view any submission requirements.

Why does PBS data sometimes contain non-AMT identifiers?

PBS data uses AMT identifiers wherever possible. However, local non-AMT identifiers may be used when a corresponding AMT concept is not yet available. For example, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Division may create identifiers for PBS listings that are published before the corresponding AMT concept is included in a monthly AMT release.

These identifiers can be recognised by their SNOMED CT namespace identifier, a unique seven-digit code assigned by SNOMED International to each organisation. Namespace identifiers ensure that concepts created by different organisations remain unique and distinguishable. Where appropriate, local identifiers may be replaced with AMT identifiers in a future release.

AMT and Pharmaceutical Benefits Division identifiers use different SNOMED CT namespace identifiers. Refer to the PBS developer information for technical details.

How does AMT support PBS medicines and related relationships?

PBS data align PBS-listed products to relevant AMT concepts to support consistent identification and exchange of medicines information. Implementing the broader AMT model provides the relationships and context needed to interpret and use those concepts appropriately. Refer to the implementation guidance or contact NCTS for assistance.

SNOMED CT FAQs

What is SNOMED CT-AU and how is it used?

SNOMED CT-AU is the Australian extension of SNOMED. It includes the SNOMED CT International Edition together with additional Australia specific terminology, reference sets and medicines content that support local healthcare requirements.

SNOMED CT-AU provides human-readable clinical terms linked to unique, machine-readable identifiers that enable clinical information to be recorded, shared and used consistently across healthcare systems. It supports clinical care, decision support, reporting, public health surveillance, research and interoperability between healthcare providers and systems.

How often is SNOMED CT-AU updated?

SNOMED CT-AU is released monthly and includes AMT, new or updated Australian terminology content, reference sets and supporting resources. Release information is published through Updates and News. 

How do I request changes or additions to SNOMED CT-AU content?

We welcome requests for new terminology content, corrections and enhancements. Visit the Request content page to submit a request for review by the NCTS.

How do I map existing codes to SNOMED CT-AU?

Mapping existing code systems to SNOMED CT-AU requires consideration of clinical context, business requirements, intended use and clinical safety. Visit Mapping considerations in the Implementer Hub for guidance on planning, developing and maintaining maps to and from SNOMED CT-AU. If you need assistance with a particular mapping activity, submit a request using the Support Request form.

How do I implement and maintain SNOMED CT-AU in my system?

SNOMED CT-AU can be implemented using a range of approaches, including RF2 distribution files and terminology services.

The National Terminology Server (NTS) provides access to nationally curated terminology content and services that support the use of SNOMED CT-AU and other national terminology products.

Ontoserver is a FHIR-enabled terminology server that allows software applications to search, validate and retrieve terminology content using standard terminology service APIs.

Visit Implementing in software in the Implementer Hub for information on implementation approaches, terminology services and supporting technical resources. Implementers should also establish processes to review and apply each new release and manage changes to local maps, configurations and terminology content.

How does SNOMED CT-AU differ from other countries' SNOMED CT extensions?

All SNOMED International Member countries use content from the SNOMED CT International Edition. SNOMED CT-AU includes that international content together with additional Australian terminology, reference sets, medicines content, maps and other supporting material developed to meet Australian healthcare requirements. Other Member countries may publish their own national extensions for local use.

When do I need a SNOMED CT Namespace Identifier?

A Namespace Identifier is needed if your organisation intends to create its own SNOMED CT concepts, descriptions or reference sets. If you only use existing SNOMED CT content, you generally do not need one. Before applying, check whether your organisation already has a namespace in the SNOMED CT Namespace Identifier Registry.

What is LOINC and how does it relate to SNOMED CT?

LOINC® is an international standard used to identify laboratory and clinical observations. It can be used alongside SNOMED CT, with the standards providing complementary ways to represent observations and related clinical meaning. Visit the LOINC and SNOMED International websites for further information.

Selected LOINC terminology content is available through the National Terminology Server.

Licensing FAQs

How do licensing arrangements work in Australia?

To access and use licensed NCTS terminology products in Australia, eligible Australian individuals and organisations must accept the SNOMED CT Affiliate Licence Agreement and the Australian National Terminology Licence Agreement when registering or accessing a licensed product. Licence fees are covered by the Australian Digital Health Agency, so eligible Australian licence holders can access national terminology products and services free of charge.

These Australian licensing arrangements apply to use within Australia. If you intend to use, deploy or distribute SNOMED CT outside Australia, additional requirements or fees may apply. Refer to the SNOMED International licensing requirements for further information.

I want to use SNOMED CT internationally. What licensing requirements apply?

Additional requirements may apply when SNOMED CT is used outside Australia, including in other Member or non-Member countries. Requirements depend on where and how the terminology is deployed, and fees may apply in some circumstances. Contact SNOMED International for advice about your proposed use and applicable obligations.

Can I translate SNOMED CT content?

Affiliates must not translate any part of the SNOMED CT International Release into another human language without prior written consent from SNOMED International. Refer to the current SNOMED CT Affiliate Licence Agreement for full requirements.