Epic FHIR vs. Traditional HL7: Which Integration Approach is Best for You?
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the ability to integrate diverse health systems and applications is crucial for improving patient care and operational efficiency. When it comes to integrating with Epic, one of the leading Electronic Health Record (EHR) platforms, healthcare organizations have several integration options to consider. Two of the most prominent standards for healthcare data exchange are FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) and HL7 (Health Level 7). Both offer unique benefits and challenges, depending on the specific needs and goals of the organization. This blog will explore the key differences between Epic FHIR and traditional HL7, helping you determine which integration approach is best for your organization. We will also introduce Itirra, a Washington state-based health tech lab that has spent over a decade designing and deploying bespoke EMR and EHR integration solutions for healthcare providers and third-party vendors.
Understanding FHIR and HL7
To understand the differences between FHIR and HL7, it’s important to first define what these terms mean. HL7 refers to a set of international standards for the electronic exchange of healthcare information. Traditionally, HL7 has been used for clinical messaging and has supported various types of messages like ADT (Admit, Discharge, Transfer), ORM (Order), and ORU (Observation Result). However, HL7 v2 can be complex and is often seen as outdated due to its reliance on proprietary encoding methods, which can complicate integration with modern systems.
FHIR, on the other hand, is a newer, web-based standard that was developed by HL7 International to address the limitations of traditional HL7 messaging. FHIR is designed to be simpler, more flexible, and compatible with modern technologies like RESTful APIs, JSON, and XML. Unlike traditional HL7, which can require specialized software and interfaces to interpret and translate the data, FHIR uses web technologies to allow data to be accessed via standard web protocols. This has made FHIR particularly attractive for developers building interoperable applications that need to exchange health data seamlessly across systems like Epic.
Epic FHIR: A Modern Approach to Healthcare Integration
When it comes to integrating with Epic, using FHIR presents several advantages, particularly in terms of interoperability and scalability. Epic supports FHIR APIs, which provide a standardized way for third-party applications to access patient data, lab results, clinical workflows, and other critical healthcare information. This approach is ideal for organizations that need real-time data access and wish to build or integrate modern applications, such as patient-facing apps, decision support tools, or predictive analytics systems.
One of the primary benefits of Epic FHIR integration is its flexibility. With FHIR, healthcare organizations can connect multiple systems and devices with ease, fostering better data exchange across various platforms and technologies. FHIR’s use of modern web standards means it can integrate seamlessly with a wide range of tools, including mobile apps, cloud-based platforms, and machine learning models. This makes FHIR a strong choice for organizations looking to modernize their healthcare infrastructure and enable the development of next-generation healthcare technologies.
Additionally, FHIR allows for greater patient engagement. With FHIR-enabled apps, patients can gain access to their medical records, track their health data, and even interact with their healthcare providers. This shift toward patient-centered care is aligned with the growing demand for healthcare solutions that empower individuals to take control of their health.
Traditional HL7: A Tried-and-True Standard for Healthcare Systems
On the other hand, HL7 remains a tried-and-true integration standard for many healthcare organizations, particularly those that have relied on it for years. HL7 v2.x, in particular, has been widely used for decades and supports a broad range of healthcare scenarios, including patient admissions, lab results, and billing information. It’s a highly reliable and mature standard that has proven itself effective in many healthcare environments, especially for those that rely on batch processing or need to connect older systems.
One of the key advantages of HL7 is its ubiquity. Many healthcare organizations have existing infrastructure built around HL7 v2, and transitioning to newer standards like FHIR can be time-consuming and expensive. For these organizations, continuing to use HL7 might make sense, especially if the integration needs are relatively simple or if the systems in question do not require the real-time capabilities that FHIR offers.
Moreover, HL7 has established support for a wide range of clinical messaging, which makes it well-suited for integration scenarios that involve complex workflows and large data volumes, such as lab and radiology systems. This makes HL7 a preferred choice for certain healthcare settings where legacy systems are still deeply embedded.
How Itirra Supports Healthcare Integration Projects
Navigating the decision between Epic FHIR and HL7 integration can be overwhelming, especially for organizations that are unfamiliar with these standards or lack the technical expertise to implement them. This is where Itirra, a health tech lab based in Washington state, comes into play. With over a decade of experience in designing, developing, and deploying bespoke EMR and EHR integration solutions, Itirra has become a trusted partner for organizations servicing the healthcare industry that seek to optimize their technology infrastructure.
Itirra specializes in helping organizations like physician advisors, third-party medical consultants, and revenue cycle management companies navigate the complexities of healthcare IT integration. Whether you need to integrate Epic FHIR with your existing systems, modernize your workflows, or ensure compliance with regulatory standards, Itirra offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Their expertise in both FHIR and HL7 means they can help you make an informed decision about which integration approach is best for your organization.
Through custom integration solutions, Itirra ensures that data flows smoothly between disparate systems, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of errors. Whether you are integrating new technologies or maintaining legacy systems, Itirra works with your team to design solutions that drive real value while ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance.
Choosing the Right Integration Approach for Your Organization
Ultimately, the choice between Epic FHIR and HL7 comes down to your organization’s specific needs, the complexity of your workflows, and your long-term technological goals. FHIR is an excellent choice for organizations looking to embrace modern, interoperable technologies, while HL7 may still be the best option for organizations with legacy systems that don’t require real-time data sharing or integration with mobile and cloud-based applications. Additionally, FHIR may be better suited for patient-facing applications and next-generation healthcare tools, while HL7 remains a robust solution for traditional messaging needs in clinical environments.
For organizations that are considering integration but are unsure which approach to take, working with an experienced partner like Itirra can make the decision-making process easier. With their deep expertise in both standards and extensive experience in healthcare IT, Itirra can help you understand the pros and cons of each approach and guide you toward the best integration solution for your specific situation.
Conclusion
When it comes to integrating with Epic, the choice between FHIR and HL7 is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Each standard has its own strengths and is suited to different integration needs and technical environments. FHIR offers a modern, flexible, and scalable solution for organizations looking to take advantage of real-time data and cutting-edge technologies, while HL7 continues to be a reliable choice for organizations that rely on legacy systems or need to manage complex clinical workflows. By partnering with a trusted expert like Itirra, your organization can successfully navigate these options and create an integration strategy that meets your needs today and in the future.