In the medical field, data needs to move seamlessly between different systems. Hospitals, laboratories, clinics – every stakeholder must process patient information, test results, and sensitive medical records. Data must be exchanged quickly and accurately, using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS). That’s where HL7 (Health Level Seven) comes in; the universal language that ensures different healthcare systems can talk to each other. HL7 enables seamless communication between every organization and facility in the healthcare field, improving efficiency and patient care. Now that we know that, let’s find out what HL7 really is, and how it works.
HL7: The Language of Healthcare Data
HL7 is a set of international standards designed to facilitate the sharing of electronic health information. Developed by Health Level Seven International, these guidelines ensure that systems built by different vendors can communicate effectively.
Without HL7, healthcare providers would be stuck with disconnected amounts of information, making patient care slower and more error-prone. The most widely used version is HL7 V2: V2 is considered the workhorse of healthcare communication due to its simplicity and widespread adoption.
More recently, FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) has emerged as a new standard that streamlines data exchange through web technologies. However, while FHIR is gaining traction, it has yet to be fully adopted as the industry standard, with HL7 V2 remaining the most widely used protocol today.
The Role of a Laboratory Information System (LIS)
A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a critical piece of healthcare infrastructure. It manages lab workflows, from receiving samples to processing results and sending reports to physicians. However, LISs don’t operate in a vacuum – they need to communicate with electronic health records (EHRs), for example.
EHRs are digital versions of patients’ medical histories, including diagnoses, treatments, test results, and medications, accessible in real-time by authorized healthcare providers. In addition, LISs need to communicate with billing systems, and other healthcare platforms. That’s where HL7 comes in.
Common HL7 Challenges in Labs
Today, over 87% of healthcare providers use an EHR, and nearly all labs rely on some form of a LIS. However, without a strong HL7 interface that seamlessly connects EHRs to internal or external lab networks, delays will continue.
Even though HL7 is a standard, different vendors may interpret HL7 messages differently, leading to compatibility issues. Some common challenges include:
- Data Format Inconsistencies: Different labs and hospitals might structure their HL7 messages in slightly different ways, leading to miscommunication.
- Workflow Disruptions: If HL7 messages aren’t processed correctly, lab results might not reach doctors on time, delaying patient care.
- Security and Compliance: Healthcare data is highly sensitive. Ensuring HL7 messages are transmitted securely while remaining compliant with regulations like HIPAA is a challenge.
How to Perfect the HL7 Process with an LIS
A well-integrated LIS makes HL7 communication smoother and more reliable. Here’s how:
- Use an LIS with Flexible HL7 Mapping: A quality LIS enables easy customization and mapping, ensuring data flows correctly between systems. This minimizes errors and prevents manual intervention. Not many LISs can be considered to be advanced and innovative, but more on that, later.
- Automate Data Validation: Mistakes in HL7 messages can cause delays and errors. A good LIS will automatically check data for inconsistencies before sending or receiving messages, reducing the need for troubleshooting.
- Ensure Real-Time Data Exchange: Delays in lab results can impact patient care. LIS that supports real-time HL7 messaging ensures that results are delivered instantly to EHRs, allowing doctors to make timely decisions.
- Improve Security Measures: Since HL7 messages often contain patient data, security is critical. LIS should encrypt messages and ensure compliance with regulations, keeping patient information safe. Again, not every LIS in the market today can perform such up-to-date compliance actions, according to the highest standards.
- Simplify HL7 Interfaces: A lab might need to connect with multiple hospitals and clinics, each with slightly different HL7 requirements. An LIS with an intuitive HL7 interface engine can simplify these connections, reducing IT headaches.
Why LabOS is the Right LIS for HL7 Integration
Perfecting HL7 integration doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you have the right LIS. LabOS is the leading cloud-based system that supports healthcare providers’ digital transformation worldwide, making HL7 communication as smooth as possible. Whether you’re dealing with HL7 v2, v3, or future implementations of protocols, LabOS ensures seamless data exchange, reducing errors, and improving efficiency.
With powerful automation, customizable HL7 mapping, and powerful security features, LabOS enables labs to stay connected, streamline their processes, and improve patient care.
Learn more about how LabOS can help your lab thrive and enhance your HL7 workflow
