Understanding the new language of interoperability.
The Health Level Seven (HL7) framework has long been a cornerstone in the healthcare industry for establishing standards that enable the exchange of clinical and administrative data among various healthcare software applications globally. However, achieving seamless interoperability has remained a complex challenge, as no single standard set could universally facilitate communication between different systems. That was until the introduction of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR).
FHIR, which stands for Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, is a standardized language designed to bridge the gap in healthcare data exchange. It serves as the essential medium through which health technology systems communicate with one another. FHIR can be likened to an adept translator facilitating a conversation between two individuals who speak different languages. FHIR comprehends the intricacies of both sender and receiver, translating data between them, thus enabling seamless communication. With FHIR, previously isolated electronic health record (EHR) systems can now effortlessly share data with platforms like Google Health, promoting enhanced collaboration and data exchange in the healthcare ecosystem.
The Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule has ushered in a new era of standardization within the healthcare industry. According to this ruling, FHIR is the universally mandated language for interoperability, and all healthcare stakeholders, including providers and payers, are required to implement it. The message is clear: adopting FHIR is not a choice; it's a mandate, and it's a one that needs immediate attention.
For healthcare providers and payers, this mandate comes with its own set of challenges. Merely having a member or patient portal is no longer sufficient to meet the compliance requirements of the final rule – and being non-compliant is not an option. If your systems are not utilizing FHIR, they are, by definition, non-compliant. The onus is on healthcare organizations to revamp their systems to ensure they are fully interoperable by adopting FHIR as the common language of communication.
For many stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem who are just beginning to embark on this journey or are unsure of how to navigate the complexities of FHIR implementation, the undertaking can indeed be overwhelming. It involves substantial expenses, resources, and the potential for issues during the implementation process. As CMS enforcement of this ruling becomes more real, the pressure is mounting, leaving some in the healthcare industry scrambling for solutions.
In this ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the adoption of FHIR as the interoperability standard is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a crucial step toward achieving efficient, patient-centric healthcare. While the road to full FHIR implementation may be challenging, the benefits in terms of improved data exchange, patient access, and collaboration among healthcare entities make it a necessary investment for a future of more accessible, interoperable, and efficient healthcare systems. The clock is ticking, and healthcare organizations must act swiftly to ensure they are fully compliant with the Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule by embracing FHIR as the language of healthcare data exchange.