Code Search¶
Code Search retrieves CIEL concepts and external terminology codes. Use it when you know the wording but not the code, when a QA suggestion is missing, or when you need to compare candidates across sources.
Search modes¶
| Mode | Best for | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Exact code | A known source/code pair | Selecting the wrong source or version |
| Textual | Known words, prefixes, and terminology labels | Missing a differently worded synonym |
| Semantic | Meaning-oriented discovery using embeddings | A plausible but clinically incorrect neighbor |
CIEL searches can use the current HEAD mirror or a fixed version. External terminologies are indexed on demand and may need a background indexing job before semantic results are complete.
Review a result¶
- Select the terminology and version.
- Start with an exact-code or textual query when possible.
- Use semantic mode to broaden discovery.
- Inspect status, preferred label, synonyms, and available hierarchy context.
- Open the code in the authoritative terminology when the change is material.
- Copy the source, code, display, and intended map type into the review.
Do not ask an LLM to invent a replacement code. CIEL Lab's MCP search can retrieve indexed candidates, but the same verification rule applies.
Semantic ranking limitation¶
Embeddings compress meaning into a similarity vector. A broad phrase can score above a more specific post-coordinated expression. The behavior discussed in OpenConceptLab/ocl_issues#2389 is a useful example: specificity and laterality may not dominate the nearest neighbor score.
Use terminology filters, exact attributes, and human reranking when the distinction is clinically meaningful.
Comparison demonstration¶
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