> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-ct-specifications/snomed-ct-editorial-guide/readme.md).

# SNOMED CT Editorial Guide

## Purpose

The SNOMED CT Editorial Guide provides the rules, conventions, and principles required to model SNOMED CT concepts. It serves as the definitive reference for authoring and maintaining content in the International Release, while also supporting extension creators. The guide ensures that terminology is reliable, unambiguous, and interoperable for healthcare applications.

## Scope

This guide covers the editorial policies for precoordinated content, meaning concepts and rules applicable to all precoordinated SNOMED CT content. Rules specific only to postcoordinated content are not included; these are managed separately through the MRCM ([Machine Readable Concept Model](https://browser.ihtsdotools.org/mrcm)) browser. The guide provides information on concept modeling, naming conventions, inactivation, attributes, and rules for specific hierarchies.

## Audience

The primary audience of the Editorial Guide is SNOMED International editors responsible for maintaining the International Release. However, it is also relevant for extension developers, implementers, and others involved in clinical terminology management. For national or local extensions, the [Extensions Practical Guide](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-ct-practical-guides/snomed-ct-extension-guide/) offers complementary guidance.

## Contact and Feedback

The Editorial Guide is maintained by SNOMED International, the organization responsible for the ongoing development and distribution of SNOMED CT. Users are encouraged to provide feedback or seek clarification by contacting SNOMED International at <info@snomed.org>. Additional resources, licensing details, and membership information are available at [www.snomed.org](http://www.snomed.org).

***These guidelines should be applied to new content. While many concepts exist that are not in compliance with this guidance, correction of existing content will be completed as resources permit.***

***

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/snomed-ct-specifications/snomed-ct-editorial-guide/readme/snomed-ct-introduction.md">Introduction to SNOMED CT</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/snomed-ct-specifications/snomed-ct-editorial-guide/readme/concept-model-overview.md">Introduction to Concept Model</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/snomed-ct-specifications/snomed-ct-editorial-guide/readme/authoring.md">Authoring</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/snomed-ct-specifications/snomed-ct-editorial-guide/readme/editorial-guide-change-log.md">Editorial Guide Change Log</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

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This document is a publication of International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation, trading as SNOMED International. SNOMED International owns and maintains SNOMED CT®.

Any modification of this document (including without limitation the removal or modification of this notice) is prohibited without the express written permission of SNOMED International. This document may be subject to updates. Always use the latest version of this document published by SNOMED International. This can be viewed online and downloaded by following the links on the front page or cover of this document.

SNOMED®, SNOMED CT® and IHTSDO® are registered trademarks of International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation. SNOMED CT® licensing information is available at <http://snomed.org/licensing>. For more information about SNOMED International and SNOMED International Membership, please refer to [http://www.snomed.org](http://www.ihtsdo.org/) or contact us at [info@snomed.org](mailto:info@ihtsdo.org).
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