Q&A HL7 and Fire and Workflow Automation Image

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Topics Covered:

  1. Introduction to HL7 and FHIR Standards
    • Overview of HL7 (Health Level 7) and FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources).
    • Explanation of HL7's pipe-delimited format and FHIR’s RESTful framework.
  2. Technical Differences Between HL7 and FHIR
    • HL7’s reliance on TCP/IP and the need for VPNs to secure data.
    • FHIR’s modern API-based approach uses JSON and XML formats.
    • How FHIR uses RESTful APIs for easier, more flexible integration.
  3. Challenges with HL7
    • Limitations in HL7 for real-time data exchange and encryption.
    • Customized fields (Z segments) in HL7 messages are needed.
    • Examples of legacy system constraints include Cerner’s inability to send real-time medical administration messages.
  4. Real-World Scenarios for HL7 and FHIR Usage
    • How healthcare systems handle data exchange with HL7 and FHIR.
    • The necessity of a hybrid approach for real-time and non-real-time data needs.
  5. The Role of HL7 and Integration Engines
    • The importance of integration engines to manage multiple system connections.
    • The concept of "HL7 engines" or integration engines acting as a central hub for data flow between systems.
    • How integration engines reduce complexity at scale.
  6. Real-Time vs. Batch Data Exchange
    • When to use HL7 for real-time messaging and FHIR for data pulling.
    • Hybrid solutions for scheduling data, notifications, and clinical workflows.
  7. EHR Support for HL7 and FHIR
    • Variability in support for HL7 and FHIR across different EHR systems.
    • Challenges with smaller EHRs and systems like eClinicalWorks in supporting both standards.
    • The role of proprietary APIs in some EHR systems.
  8. Cost and Complexity of Integration for Health Tech Companies
    • The financial and operational burden on health tech companies to maintain integrations with HL7 and FHIR.
    • The importance of pre-built connections and automation in reducing integration costs and time.
  9. Fethr Health’s Approach to Simplifying Integration
    • How Fethr Health simplifies HL7 and FHIR integration with pre-built connections and workflow automation.
    • Enabling faster and more efficient data exchange without needing extensive coding.