What is an FHIR API?

As part of the HL7 International initiative, the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) API sets the standard for electronic healthcare information exchange. By combining features from previous specifications, FHIR API aims to create common processes across the international healthcare ecosystem and promote interoperability through the use of application programming interface (API) standards.

The primary focus of the FHIR API framework is interoperability with electronic health records (EHR), which store patient data in various formats for use by medical providers and institutions. By standardizing EHR APIs and how they share data with outside systems, FHIR seeks to improve the quality and timeliness of patient care. 

The FHIR Framework

The FHIR API framework is continuously developed with new additions and changes made each year, especially as electronic systems and capabilities improve. Already, a number of improvements have been implemented, but more major changes have been proposed that will impact the ways healthcare institutions collect, manage, and share records.

Some of the biggest upcoming changes for the FHIR framework include new quality measurement standards. Currently, the most commonly used standards include the Quality Data Model (QDM), Clinical Quality Language (CQL), Health Quality Measure Format (HQMF), and Quality Reporting Document Architecture (QRDA).

The current collection of these standards forms the electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM). However, with the introduction of FHIR-based quality measurements, the QDM, HQMF, and QRDA will be replaced with the goal of creating a standard approach to eCQM systems.

In addition to changing quality measurements, which help healthcare professionals evaluate the effectiveness of care after it is delivered, the FHIR framework also increases the use of information at the time of care to support clinical decisions and proactively improve care quality. The FHIR is still being developed, but current standards can be found here. 

How TempDev Can Help With FHIR API Implementation

TempDev’s team of experienced consultants, developers, and trainers are here to support enhanced accessibility, as well as customized features and templates. This enables you and your patients to have more control over data with improved transparency. 

As part of our streamlining process, we help you implement the Patient Portal, FHIR API, and other tools to better support safety, patient engagement, and security. We also help improve interoperability between health systems, including the implementation of best practices with FHIR APIs. From dashboards to automation and workflow redesign, TempDev offers the comprehensive resources and tools you need to ensure compliance. 

Contact us here or by calling us at 888.TEMP.DEV to build your next FHIR API interface with your software vendors.