What is HL7 FIRE, sorry we mean't HL7 FHIR?
You been hearing this new standard called HL7 FHIR but do you know what it is and how to go about implementing it within your interoperability solution. What are the benefits of this new standard, let's review.
What is HL7 FHIR?
We Healthcare IT enthusiasts know and have worked with HL7 for years as this is one of the first interoperability standards used to integrate Healthcare data. I call HL7 the first language of Healthcare data. We also know that standards are not 100 percent followed by each and every system that implements them but now comes a new standard called HL7 FHIR that is here to save the day on some of the downfalls of HL7 and other standards that are currently used to send data back and forth between Healthcare applications.
FHIR stands for Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources. HL7 FHIR is a new framework that was created by HL7 that combines the best features of HL7v2, HL7v3 and CDA standards while also incorporating the latest web standards to create a tight focus implementation and not a loose focus implementation that the other standards in my opinion allowed. In the IT industry all data exchange is using more of a RESTful architectural design and API implementation so it is fitting for Healthcare IT to do the same.
Why FHIR is better?
A strong focus on implementation: fast and easy to implement (multiple developers have had simple interfaces working in a single day)
Multiple implementation libraries, many examples available to kick-start development
Specification is free for use with no restrictions
Interoperability out-of-the-box: base resources can be used as is, but can also be adapted as needed - which happens a lot - for local requirements using Profiles, Extensions, Terminologies and more
Evolutionary development path from HL7 Version 2 and CDA: standards can co-exist and leverage each other
Strong foundation in Web standards: XML, JSON, HTTP, OAuth, etc.
Support for RESTful architectures, seamless exchange of information using messages or documents, and service-based architectures
Concise and easily understood specifications
A human-readable serialization format for ease of use by developers
Ontology-based analysis with formal mapping for correctness (under development)
As you can see their is many benefits that FHIR has and with the need of more data integrations leveraging FHIR will help expose different data sets that the other standards currently are lacking and use more updated web technologies to access data more efficiently.
Our team can help you with your FHIR integrations needs leveraging our expertise with mirth connect tool sets that help with converting your current data structures to a new and improved FHIR implementation.
DevScripts Solutions is an IT Consultant Firm Specializing in Interoperability within the Healthcare Arena.
We are a small team solving big interoperability challenges on a daily basis. With our vast knowledge of interoperability we can integrate ourselves as part of your organization just like we are part of your full-time team.
We develop a variety of custom interfaces for healthcare organizations such as Healthcare Vendors, HIEs, Health Systems, Hospitals, Medical Practices, Payors and ACOs using Mirth Connect.
We work with businesses in California, Georgia, New York, Florida, Texas and throughout the wider United States.
For more information on our services or to arrange a consultation call please contact us today.
T: 678-861-4682 E: info@devscriptssolutions.com
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