The Implementation Maturity Framework comprises five distinct maturity levels, each representing a stage of progression in SNOMED CT implementation. While these levels are specifically described and tailored for each stakeholder group - Members (National Release Centers), User Organizations, and Vendors; SNOMED International has also defined a set of general maturity levels that apply universally across all stakeholders.
Common Implementation Maturity Levels
Level 1
Initial awareness of SNOMED CT.
Limited or no structured implementation.
Minimal governance or strategy.
Level 3
Broader deployment in operational systems.
Integration into clinical workflows.
Growing governance structures and technical infrastructure.
Level 4
Widespread adoption and optimization.
Interoperability with other health standards.
Evidence of improved data quality and patient outcomes.
Level 5
Fully integrated and sustained use across healthcare systems.
Advanced analytics, decision support, and AI applications.
Continuous improvement and leadership in terminology governance.
Level 2
Defined strategy and planning phase initiated.
Initial pilot projects or testing.
Some stakeholder engagement.
BASIC
EMERGING
ADVANCED
INTEGRATED
OPTIMIZING
Level 0
No awareness or use of SNOMED CT.
No governance, strategy, or resources for terminology adoption.
Data capture relies on non-standard or ad-hoc terms.