Import RxNorm and SNOMED Tables

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For OpenEMR version 4.1.1 and later, go to below 'Import Standard Tables' instructions:
  • Import Standard Tables: Very simple to import(and upgrade) and activate standardized ICD9, ICD10, SNOMED and RxNorm data sets.


Steps to install/upgrade the RxNorm database

OpenEMR 4.2.0 onwards

  1. Download the RxNorm database file from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm/docs/rxnormfiles.html; note you'll need to get an account and that only the Current Prescribable Content Monthly Release works with OpenEMR 5 (previously only Full Monthly Releases would work)
  2. In OpenEMR, go to Administration -> Other -> Native Data Loads in order to then install/upgrade the RxNorm database.

OpenEMR 6.0 onwards

External Dataload

  1. In OpenEMR, go to Administration -> Coding -> External Data Loads and follow the instructions in the external dataload RxNorm screen help modal by clicking on the question mark.

Native Dataload

  1. In OpenEMR, go to Administration -> Coding -> Native Data Loads in order to install/upgrade the RxCUI dataset and follow the instructions there. Other necessary configuration and php settings are discussed in this forum post.

Steps to install/upgrade the SNOMED database

  1. Copy the zipped SNOMED database file into the 'contrib/snomed' directory (this file can be downloaded from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/licensedcontent/snomedctfiles.html; note you'll need to get an account and that only the biannual International Release currently works)
  2. In order to then install/upgrade the SNOMED database, in OpenEMR go to:
    1. Administration -> Other -> External Data Loads -> SNOMED (prior to OpenEMR 6.0)
    2. Administration -> Coding -> External Data Loads -> SNOMED (OpenEMR 6.0 onwards)