A modern HL7 interface engine can reduce the cost of healthcare interoperability. Instead of building point-to-point interfaces, your organization can achieve significant cost savings by investing in a well-designed interface engine. The HL7 interface engine cost consists of the license for the shell, developer tools, initial interfaces, training, and support. However, your practice can use the following tips to cut costs and ensure that the interface solves your integration challenges.
1. Identify Your Integration Needs and Challenges
List all the information systems you need to link together. For instance, you may need to connect your EHR/EMR to a lab, radiology unit, practice management application, pharmacy system, or health information exchange.
After that, you can list out the connections in order of preference (or urgency) and schedule the development of other interfaces for a later date.
2. Choose Cloud-Based Deployment
If your EHR is an in-house installation, consider migrating to the cloud. Most modern integration engines are cloud-based, allowing developers to achieve faster integration and move data quickly between applications.
Using a cloud-based EHR system helps your organization to reduce monthly maintenance costs. Upgrades and security patches are also easier to handle.
3. Train In-house Developers
After installing the central integration hub, many HL7 interfaces need to be built. You have to decide whether to ask your interface developer to make all of them for you or create the interfaces in-house.
For a small practice that needs a few interfaces, outsourcing the development to a vendor or interface developer may be cost-effective. On the other hand, a large provider that must connect dozens of systems will reduce costs through in-house development.
Training your in-house developers also enables them to monitor and maintain the interfaces. Well-maintained interfaces will keep working even under stress and prevent the interface from crashing.
4. Minimize Customizations
Customizations are adjustments to the original design, look and feel of the integration engine. These modifications are essential to perform some care delivery functions effectively in a few cases.
However, each customization will usually cost thousands of dollars. The more customizations you request, the higher the cost of the integration project. Keeping customizations to a minimum or avoiding them altogether will reduce project expenses.
5. Work With a Reputable Integration Expert
An experienced interface developer and consultant can help you to minimize the cost of your integration engine project. If you partner with one from the onset, you can plan effectively, schedule training appropriately, and build your interfaces efficiently.
Working with an expert allows you to avoid guesswork, manage resources prudently, and achieve your interoperability goals on the first attempt.
Get an HL7 Interface Engine Quote
To get estimates for an interface engine license, call Lifepoint Informatics at 877.522.8378 today. Visit our contact page now to book a free consultation or see a live demo of our HL7 interface engine.