Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR – pronounced ‘fire’) is an emerging standard from HL7 that comprises data elements and formats, known as resources and application programming interfaces API’s to exchange health information. It builds on the structure of HL7 v2 and v3 while incorporating industry web standards such as RESTful services to send and retrieve data, JSON and XML to render it and OAuth to secure it. The goal is increased standardization with tighter and faster integration between systems. Most any system could be in play both in current and future states, as FHIR has built in extensibility that allows for growth with future business needs or expansion of technology.
Here’s a relatable every day situation, for an example. Your organization runs one EHR system in it’s acute setting but a different EHR on the ambulatory side. When patients are discharged from the ED, there’s is almost always a follow up visit with their primary care provider or a specialist. There is a FHIR resource that allows system to system appointment retrieval and bookings, allowing your scheduling clerks in the hospital to schedule that follow up or specialist visit directly in your ambulatory clinics at the time of departure, electronically. The patient leaves the ED with their appointment in hand and there is less concern that the patient never follows up as directed. Better outcomes for patients, more efficient and profitable operations for your organization.
Need help integrating your system’s FHIR capabilities? Contact Us! Armrock LLC is here to help, solving your toughest integration problems!