Abstraction of complex concepts with a refined partial-area taxonomy of SNOMED

► A methodology for partitioning the collection of SNOMED's complex “overlapping concepts” into singly-rooted groups is given. ► Different kinds of overlapping concepts with varying degrees of complexity are identified. ► An abstract model of the overlapping concepts (“disjoint partial-area taxonomy”) offers a high-level display of a hierarchy. ► The partitioning and abstraction methodology is demonstrated with an application to SNOMED's Specimen hierarchy. ► The utility of the disjoint partial-area taxonomy as the basis for an auditing regimen is presented in a companion paper.