Guides

What Do You Need to Know About Interoperability and Healthcare APIs?

Published

4 months ago

November 22, 2022

Adam T

The fundamental objective and concerns of the healthcare sector have always been to provide patients with high-quality care and treatment. Every year, new technology developments are introduced that further simplify the healthcare procedure. Interoperability is one of these more recent terms in the health ecosystem.

Interoperability: What Is It?

It hasn’t been simple to compel healthcare professionals to convert from paper to electronic health records. Interoperability was created as a result of the gaps and fragmented communication that resulted from this.

Interoperability is defined by HIMSS as the ability of various hardware, software, and information systems to reliably connect, access, share, and use data within and outside of the organizational boundary with authorized users.

Interoperability provides for connectivity and integrations in a safe and secure framework, making the data accessible for usage and sharing without the end-user interfering with the process, with the purpose of providing improved therapy to the patient.

Regardless of the practices, labs, healthcare providers, pharmacies, or hospitals, interoperability aims to provide the healthcare organization a comprehensive picture of the patient-related information.

In contrast to the past, HIMSS has identified four routes for data to interact inside a single healthcare setting:

FUNDAMENTAL:
As the name implies, fundamental interoperability is in charge of setting up the framework for data flow and exchange across various organizations. It establishes the fundamental conditions for information transmission and reception.

STRUCTURAL:
The structural interoperability determines how a data will be transported across the systems in order to preserve its integrity and provide security.

ORGANIZATIONAL:
Organizational interoperability, which consists of both organizational and technological elements, guarantees the secure, efficient, and timely interchange and consumption of information across the healthcare organization.

SEMANTIC:
Semantic interoperability enables the system to interchange, understand, and utilize the data by using both the structure and the coding of the data.

Although the motivation for this change is clear, interoperability has many more advantages.

TOP-NOTCH CARE:

Because the provider does not have complete patient-related information, the lack of an integrated healthcare IT system has caused significant delays in patient treatment. Interoperability, which allows for the visibility and availability of patient data including symptoms, medical billing history, problems, treatments, etc., aids in providing high-quality care. The care coordination improves the patient’s experience by relieving them of the responsibility of handling the majority of the administrative responsibilities.

IMPROVED SAFETY:
One of the major obstacles to a healthcare facility’s efficient operation is missing or incomplete data. Interoperability makes it easier for data to be captured and interpreted consistently across the healthcare system, reducing the chance of mistake. This will aid them even more in recognizing and avoiding the procedural error that causes the result error.

INFORMATION SYSTEM COHESIVE INTERACTION:
Interoperability has made it easier for patients and clinicians to obtain reliable public health data. Healthcare organizations have discovered a platform to educate the public about the impending health problem so that they are ready to address it via the exchange and analysis of data enabled by interoperability.

LOWER COST:
Time spent looking for and skimming through patient data is now saved because to interoperability’s capacity to simplify, share, and use data throughout the healthcare business. resulting in increased production and decreased healthcare costs.

PATIENT-DOCTOR PRIVACY IS MAINTAINED:

The clinical staff’s requirement to manually update the patient records was reduced thanks to an electronic data management system, lowering the risk of mistakes. Maintaining interoperability may help protect the right to patient-doctor confidentiality, which is often compromised by manual processing.

With application programming interfaces that let data transmission and communication across various information systems, interoperability enables the aforementioned advantages as well as additional ones.

Data transmission and reception between systems are made possible through API. This API makes it easier to build reports by updating individual records or supplying data in bulk.

Additionally, API enables accurate information synchronization between the facility, the insurance provider, and the provider of care in order to reduce delays in the course of treatment owing to time spent determining the patient’s eligibility for coverage.

Every department at a single healthcare institution is using data from a distinct electronic health record system, unlike the days of phone calls and fax machines. The data is dispersed throughout the many divisions due to the complexity of the healthcare industry.

Hospitals and doctors must have a comprehensive clinical picture of the patient, including their history, allergies, and problems, which has become foggy due to the proliferation of EHRs. API frameworks serve as a link between these diverse EHR systems and provide a useful data interchange across the healthcare system. As a result, you save a lot of time and money.

Since APIs are still in their infancy, there are a number of issues that must be resolved for improved results, including:

The absence of data standards in the healthcare industry and the availability of several technologies have increased the need for a tailored API for the varied services it offers to different systems.

The extract, convert, and load script will need to be updated as soon as new data sources are available, because technology is always changing. It becomes expensive and time-consuming as a result.

It may be difficult to ensure sufficient interchange and synchronization of complex healthcare data across various healthcare systems, which ultimately has an impact on the outcomes.

How can you make your organization’s healthcare system more interoperable?

It is crucial for providers to do research and develop solutions that improve connection across various healthcare organizations and healthcare exchange systems in light of the transformation to a value-driven healthcare environment.

Similar to this, you must promptly reevaluate the IT tools and strategies you have been using to ensure that they meet the demands of value-based care and foster interoperability at the structural, semantic, and fundamental levels.

To increase interoperability and provide more accurate and secure health data sharing, every procedure linked to patient health information, including data collecting, formatting, and conversion, should be standardized.

Although interoperability and API still have a way to go, all parts of the healthcare organization share equal responsibility for their success or failure.

Guides

Everything You Need To Know About The Longest Cruise In The World

Viking Cruises recently announced they will soon be offering one-of-a-kind cruise experience will take 245 days and will visit a whopping 59 countries.

Published

1 day ago

March 29, 2023

Loren Thorn

Got $93,000 laying around and about 8 months to kill? Then do we have the experience for you!

Viking Cruises recently announced they will soon be offering one of the most unique and elaborate cruise experiences the world has ever seen. It’s called Viking Sun and it’s a giant, 465-room vessel that can house up to 930 people. But that’s not what makes this cruise so insane. The entire trip will take 245 days and will visit a whopping 59 countries. I probably can’t even name more than 30 off the top of my head.

The cruise will start in London and the first voyage is set for August 31, 2019, and will cover some of the most interesting places in the world and everything in-between. Just look at this list of places its passengers will see: Greenland, Iceland, the Caribbean Islands, much of South America, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Egypt, and even Jordan and Oman. And those are just the big hitters. There are many other lesser-known stops along the way that are sure to be worth the stop.

Now, naturally, 245 days and $93,000 (technically $92,990) is a lot to ask for most people. So Viking is offering people the change to take part in smaller portions of the grand trip. “Viking World Treasures” covers 127 days, 33 countries, costs $47,995, and stops in Los Angeles. While “Viking World Wonders” covers 119 days, 29 countries, costs $45,995 and replaces any World Treasures participants by picking up new passengers in Los Angeles who get to enjoy the return trip to London.

And while even those prices seem pretty darn high, we haven’t even covered the amenities yet. The ship includes private balconies in each cabin, an infinity pool, a Nordic sauna, and a “snow grotto.” Not to mention the price of admission covers business class airfare, free luggage shipping, transfers to and from the ship, all gratuities and service fees, complimentary shore excursions in every port and, maybe most importantly of all, unlimited free Wi-Fi.

Guides

Tokyo Disney Will Soon Feature “Tangled” And “Frozen” Villages

Tokyo Disneyland will soon feature entire villages dedicated to Tangled and Frozen.

Published

4 days ago

March 26, 2023

Loren Thorn

If you haven’t really ever considered taking a trip to Tokyo and checking out Tokyo Disneyland… it’s time to start considering it. Disney fans were dancing in the streets when they heard the latest news: Tokyo Disneyland will soon feature entire villages dedicated to Tangled and Frozen! Yeah. You heard me right.

The scheduled open date is for some time in 2022. It comes as part of a complete overhaul of their DisneySea attraction and will also include an extensive Peter Pan experience. Here’s a closer look at what they’re planning.

TANGLED VILLAGE

For those that are still missing out and haven’t yet seen Tangled, it’s a new take on the famous story of Rapunzel. The Tokyo Disneyland Tangled Village will include Rapunzel’s tower, the nearby forest, and the restaurant where Rapunzel and her prince, Flynn, dine and sing the wonderful song “I’ve Got a Dream.” And yes, the restaurant will be a fully functional restaurant where you can get a delicious meal. So fun!

PETER PAN VILLAGE

Tokyo Disneyland is also just straight up adding Neverland. So cool. Naturally, you’ll get to meet Tinkerbell and Captain Hook while you’re there. And there will also be a functional restaurant inspired by the Lost Boys and their famous hideout. If you’re like me and never want to grow up, this will be the place for you.

FROZEN VILLAGE

Frozen is one of the biggest Disney hits in a very, very long time. We still can’t go a week without hearing some version of “Let It Go,” whether it be the real, recorded version or just some adorable kid belting it out while their parents roll their eyes.

From the official statement from Disney, the Frozen village will be “a heartwarming new attraction that will take guests by boat to experience the story of Elsa and Anna while enjoying iconic songs from the hit film, and a new restaurant will be located inside Arendelle Castle.” Yeah. They’re building the castle. I can’t wait!

A NEW LUXURY HOTEL

The renovation will also include a brand new amazing luxury hotel. It will reportedly be “themed to Disney fantasy” and will offer amazing views of all the different areas of the new development. It will also include 475 rooms, two restaurants, and a shop where you can grab all the Disney gear your heart desires.

THE WHOLE SHEBANG

I mean COME ON! Doesn’t that just look magical! I guess we shouldn’t expect any less from Disney. I just wish 2022 wasn’t so far away. But make no mistake… I’ll be there!

Guides

Disaster That Can Occur When Traveling And How You Can Respond

Published

6 days ago

March 25, 2023

Adam T

The lockdowns due to the pandemic have led people to travel at massive rates. This summer is going to be full of travel despite prices going up for everything worldwide. Gas prices are something that are crippling some families as prices have doubled in some locations in the US. There are issues that can arise when traveling that you might have to deal with. Most people have had to deal with one or more of these situations when traveling during their lifetime. The following are typical disasters that can occur while traveling and how to respond.

Involved In A Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident then you need to contact a local attorney. Finding out what to do when involved in car accidents in Georgia or your location is very important. Driving in a new city can be overwhelming as some locations are known for extremely aggressive driving. Taking an Uber or taxi is another option but this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of an accident but could reduce it.

Flights Delayed For Days Or Completely Cancelled

Flights getting delayed due to weather is something that happens around the world. What has been happening domestically is a shortage of airline workers is leading to cancellations unexpectedly. Some airlines have more flights canceled than others which you need to keep in mind. The tough aspect of this is that it could be days until there is another flight that will reach your ultimate destination. Take the time to look at options like that of a train as this can be a convenient option with less of a chance of a delay.

Getting Sick While Traveling Abroad

Getting sick while traveling abroad is something that people have nightmares about. These can be a huge issue especially when the rest of your party has left the country. You want to ensure you are going to travel in good health as a long flight while under the weather can be disastrous. Food poisoning is quite common for travelers that are trying new foods that might not agree with their stomachs. You want to ensure you are getting enough rest and washing your hands regularly. You do not want a preventable sickness to arise just before you are about to head back home.

Arrested Due To A Cultural Misunderstanding

The most important thing that you can do when traveling abroad is to look up local laws and customs. You do not want to be arrested due to a misunderstanding. You also should realize that some police might be looking for a bribe as this is common in some foreign countries like Brazil where the police force is notoriously corrupt. Certain countries are governed by religious governments so something that is not remotely illegal domestically could land you in prison internationally.

Traveling can allow you to broaden your horizons and see all the world has to offer. Plan what you can as luck will always play a role in having what you deem as a successful trip.