Several names are given to systems of standardized terms or concepts, such as SNOMED CT.  It can be referred to as a terminology, a vocabulary, or a lexicon. These names are all synonymous.

 

The semantic network features of SNOMED CT are the same as what exists in ontologies.  SNOMED CT is a terminology built on an ontological foundation (i.e. it looks and acts like an ontology).

 

Ideally, controlled terminologies (vocabularies) should have twelve features, as outlined in the seminal article by Dr. James Cimino. SNOMED CT does in fact adhere to all the twelve features, some of which allow it to be differentiated from other classification systems. As a terminology, SNOMED CT is fit-for-purpose.

 

The European-wide ASSESS CT project, integrated a broad range of stakeholders, and investigated the fitness of the international clinical terminology SNOMED CT as a potential standard for EU-wide eHealth deployments. Assess CT deemed  SNOMED CT the best available core reference terminology for cross-border, national and regional eHealth deployments in Europe.