HL7 integration is essential for efficient modern healthcare. But it can be challenging to implement and manage. Working with a competent HL7 healthcare software company can make the task easier and more cost-effective. However, choosing a reliable HL7 expert can be an overwhelming task.
How do you access their capabilities and ensure that they will be a great partner to work with? To help you separate the wheat from the chaff, we have compiled a brief list of qualities to look for when choosing an HL7 development partner.
1. A Proven Track Record
HL7 has evolved over the years from the initial versions released in the late 1980s and early 1990s to version 3 launched a few years ago. While some healthcare system vendors have continually upgraded their systems, others still use older versions of HL7.
That is why you need an experienced HL7 development partner who has worked with systems using different versions. It’s best to work with an HL7 consultant that has completed different projects that require the use of various versions of the healthcare integration standard.
2. Ability to Work With Different EHR/EMR Vendors
One of the most significant advantages of working with an HL7 specialist is access to various EHR vendors. This is particularly important when you have to migrate from one EHR to another or when you need to build interfaces between different information systems.
Instead of spending time asking various vendors to provide information about their custom HL7 implementations, your consultant can handle that for you. Then you can focus on developing solutions that will boost clinicians’ efficiency and improve patient care.
Experienced HL7 consultants have developed working relationships with prominent health IT vendors, and you can benefit from their connections while working with your organization.
3. Understanding of Various HL7 Implementations
HL7 specifies standards for sending and receiving messages between healthcare applications. However, the standard does not enforce strict implementation rules.
This situation leaves a lot of room for software vendors to choose their way of implementing HL7. While freedom and flexibility may be desirable, it is difficult for HL7 developers to study and understand another vendor’s HL7 implementation.
4. Experience With Modern Interoperability Tools
In addition to deep knowledge and expertise with HL7, your consultant should also be able to create future-proof solutions. Today, the fast healthcare interoperability resources (FHIR) standard effectively integrates healthcare information systems.
FHIR offers developers and practitioners many advantages of the older HL7 protocol. It uses web-based technology and RESTful APIs that improve the security of data in transit.
5. Capacity to Provide Scalable and Versatile Solutions
To enjoy full interoperability and maximize the benefits of EHR integration, you need to go beyond planning and deploying a few point-to-point interfaces. Your HL7 consultant can help you to create a long-term interoperability strategy.
Working with an expert allows you to plan a scalable interoperability project, train your IT team and users, and develop and test your solution rigorously.
One of the most efficient ways to achieve full integration is to deploy a cloud-based integration engine. This solution is cost-effective, expandable, and reliable. Your IT team will be able to develop interfaces within weeks instead of taking six months to build an interface.
Those are some of the benefits of working with an HL7 healthcare software company. Working with an HL7 consultant saves resources, provides expertise, and enables you to build secure and robust interfaces.
Connect to a Reputable HL7 Healthcare Software Company
Lifepoint Informatics is a globally recognized leader in healthcare information technology. We have completed over 20,000 projects since 1999.
Call us now at 877.522.8378 to see a free demo of our HL7 interface solutions. You can also visit our contact page today to discuss your software development needs.