Postcoordination in depth: axes and value sets in the coding tool

What the coding tool shows you

The coding tool only offers the axes that apply to the entity you chose. Here is how it behaves.

Only what applies

The tool shows only the axes that apply to the selected entity. Small value sets are shown in full. Large ones are browsed as a hierarchy or searched, within that axis. If fewer than twelve values apply, the tool lists them all.

• Axes · Applicable · The browser shows only the postcoordination axes that apply to the selected entity.
• Small sets · In full · Small value sets are shown in full, with their codes.
• Large sets · Search · Large value sets are browsed as a hierarchy or searched, axis by axis.

Replace, or add

Most axes take one value, and choosing another replaces it. Several axes allow multiple values, including associated with, causing condition, has manifestation, specific anatomy, infectious agents, chemical agents and medication. For external cause axes, several values are allowed only when they come from different blocks.

• Most axes · One · Selecting another value replaces the existing one.
• Some axes · Several · Associated with, causing condition, manifestation, anatomy, agents and medication.
• External cause · Blocks · Several values only when they come from different blocks.

A match becomes one code

If the combination you build matches an existing entity, the tool uses that precoordinated code rather than two. For nested options, choose the more precise entity if the detail is known; otherwise the less specific one.

• A match · Existing code · If a combination matches an existing classification entity, the tool uses that precoordinated code.
• Precision · More specific · For nested options, choose the more precise entity if you know the detail.

“Other” postcoordination

The tool also supports other postcoordination, building expressions from a wider set of entities than the ones it suggests. And where the matched term differs from the current entity, it shows the Foundation URI.

• Other · Wider set · You can build expressions from a wider set of entities the entity does not suggest or require.
• Traceability · Foundation URI · If the matching term differs from the current entity, the tool shows its Foundation URI.

Check yourself

Pause and think. On most axes in the coding tool, what happens when you choose a second value? The answer: It replaces the first value. Most axes take one value, and choosing another replaces it. Several axes allow multiple values, such as associated with, causing condition and has manifestation.

• Both values are kept
• It replaces the first value
• The tool refuses the second value
• The first value is kept and the second is ignored

Keep these in mind

Only applicable axes are offered. Most axes take one value, and some take several. A match becomes a precoordinated code. And choose the more precise entity when you know the detail.

• Only applicable axes are offered
• Most axes take one value; some take several
• A match becomes a precoordinated code
• Choose the more precise entity when known