Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) doubles as a data format standard and an application programming interface. It was developed by HL7 to enhance interoperability between Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems in the healthcare industry. While FHIR has been in use for many years, renewed interest in HL7 to FHIR has been prompted by the use of the latter by Apple Health Record as their preferred API for healthcare applications.
HL7 versions 1, 2, and CDA have also been used for decades. But many of the weaknesses of the HL7 interoperability standard are now being addressed in FHIR version 4. Here is a brief explanation of HL7, FHIR, and their potential to create a truly interoperable healthcare information network.
How does FHIR differ from HL7?
Creating HL7 interfaces requires detailed programming to connect two EHRs or information systems. These interfaces will also have to be maintained and supported to preserve their integrity. On the other hand, using FHIR eliminates the need for complex EHR interface programming.
Combining web services with FHIR APIs can create healthcare apps that work the same way as news feeds from social media. Creating an app with FHIR API enhances communication between EHRs, devices, and mobile applications. The APIs offer a standardized interface for applications to use to send and receive data with the appropriate security authentication.
How does FHIR enhance EHR operability?
FHIR was developed with a prime purpose: to ensure that EHRs using the FHIR standard are interoperable. That’s why it has a detailed description of data formats and resources. FHIR supports open standards including SMART — sustainable medical applications reusable technologies.
SMART reduces the time and effort required by healthcare app developers to connect their systems. In essence, as long as an EHR provides support for SMART through FHIR, clinicians, and patients can use it to enhance clinical care, public health, and research.
SMART also takes care of security, which is a major concern among healthcare providers. It has a secure authorization model for applications. This allows providers and patients to manage their data without the fear of hacking and data breaches.
What is the future of FHIR?
Before investing in an EHR or application that uses FHIR, it’s important to know what prospects the technology has going forward.
Presently, FHIR is ready for medical record exchange. You can use it to send and receive lab results, prescriptions, and medications. It works for patients who access their health data through Apple’s Health Record app.
Data from ONC shows that 85% of providers have FHIR in their information systems. The standard is evolving, and it is expected that providers should be able to use it to exchange specialist information in the near future.
Discover How an HL7 to FHIR Transition Can Better Exchange Healthcare Information
At Lifepoint Informatics, we understand how to use the FHIR standard to improve interoperability among EHRs, devices, and information systems.
Call us now at 877.522.8378 to discover how you can use this standard to improve the efficiency and productivity of your operations and boost your quality of care.
FAQs on Data Governance and Healthcare Interoperability
How does data governance affect patient care?
Effective data governance improves patient care by:
- Ensuring accurate patient identification
- Enhancing patient engagement
- Creating efficient workflows for analytics
Proper governance ensures that health records are complete, up-to-date, and accessible when needed.
What is HL7 to FHIR and why is it important?
HL7 to FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is a standard developed by HL7 to enhance interoperability between Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. FHIR acts as both a data format standard and an API, facilitating seamless communication between EHRs, devices, and mobile applications.
How does FHIR improve EHR interoperability?
FHIR was created to make EHRs interoperable by providing detailed descriptions of data formats and resources. It supports open standards such as SMART, which reduces the time and effort required for healthcare app developers to connect systems, thereby enhancing clinical care, public health, and research.
What are the advantages of using FHIR over traditional HL7 standards?
Unlike traditional HL7 standards requiring detailed programming to create interfaces between EHRs, FHIR simplifies this process using web services with FHIR APIs. This approach allows for the easy creation of healthcare apps that function similarly to social media news feeds, improving communication and data exchange.
How does FHIR differ from HL7?
Traditional HL7 interfaces require detailed programming and ongoing maintenance to connect EHR systems. FHIR eliminates the need for complex programming by using web services with FHIR APIs, enabling seamless communication between EHRs, devices, and mobile applications.
What is the future of FHIR?
FHIR is poised to revolutionize medical record exchange by enabling the transmission of lab results, prescriptions, and medications. With an 85% adoption rate among providers, FHIR is expected to facilitate specialist information exchange in the near future.
How can I transition from HL7 to FHIR?
Transitioning from HL7 to FHIR can significantly improve healthcare information exchange. Contact Lifepoint Informatics at 877.522.8378 to learn how adopting FHIR can enhance the efficiency and productivity of your operations and boost your quality of care.