Korea Revises Medical Data Standard: Expanding Scope of Interoperability

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The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the revision and enforcement of the 'Medical Data Terminology and Transmission Standard' on the 18th. This standard defines data items and transmission methods necessary to facilitate the exchange of medical data using consistent terminology. Key changes include the addition of two core exchange data items (anesthesia method, specimen type), selected based on clinical importance and contribution to continuity of care. Crucially, in response to global interoperability trends, the standard now incorporates international medical terminologies—SNOMED CT and LOINC—in addition to existing Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service codes (EDI). According to the government, these revised items will be structured into detailed transmission technical specifications for exchange via FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) starting next year. To support this, a reference set of terminologies will also be distributed. This development is positioned as a next-generation standard that overcomes limitations of previous document-based exchange standards (CDA), enabling application and cloud compatibility, thereby enhancing the convenience and efficiency of medical use.