ISO 1828:2012 specifies the minimal characteristics of a categorial structure for terminological systems of surgical procedures and the minimal domain constraints to support interoperability, comparability and the exchange of meaningful information on surgical procedures, independently of the language, insofar as the significant differences are specified by the system.

ISO 1828:2012 is applicable to terminological systems of surgical procedures in all surgical disciplines. It covers only the terminology part, as defined in ISO 1087-1:2000, of the terminological systems of surgical procedures.

ISO 1828:2012 is intended to be used as an integrated part of computer-based applications and for electronic health care records.