This morning, CommonWell Health Alliance announced that it would partner with Redox and other CommonWell members to build new application programming interfaces (APIs) to expand the services of its network and increase value for patients and caregivers. Our part in this equation comes in a few different flavors.
1. Available now: CCD converter API
We take that unwieldy XML CCD and convert it into a beautiful and consistent JSON model using the Redox Clinical Summary data model, and now you can too :).
One of the challenges in working with CCDs (the format used for most query/response clinical data exchange) is the inconsistency in the standard. To say the least, the specifications are verbose, resulting in inconsistent implementations of the standard across EHR vendors.
Redox has been converting CCDs for a while now, but this new product allows developers to use our engine to convert CCDs without involvement from the source system.
Developers can POST an XML CCD to a Redox endpoint using Push.ClinicalSummary. We will run it through our engine mapping it to the consistent ClinicalSummary JSON data model and POST it back to your specified callback URL. Let us know if you’re interested in setting this up.
2. CommonWell connection support
For CommonWell members, exchanging data with the Network requires the ability to query and consume data in healthcare-specific protocols and formats—something we’ve heard can be a barrier to implementing a CommonWell connection.
Redox has committed to partner with CommonWell to support API access to CommonWell services over our Engine, which you may already be connected to. It’ll look something like this:
If you’re a CommonWell member or thinking of joining but have technical questions, hit us up. We’d love to chat about how this can help.
3. Direct-to-provider exchange
At the point of care, the CommonWell Network’s value lies in giving providers access to patient data from other providers in order to paint a more holistic clinical picture of patient care. However, this only works if providers are utilizing EHR vendors who are part of CommonWell and have deployed its services.
Redox, along with RelayHealth and Cerner, have committed to expanding provider access to CommonWell Network regardless of the EHR vendor being utilized. Providers looking to take advantage of this should contact CommonWell directly.
Getting to real world interoperability
I’ve been bullish on CommonWell since we joined last spring. My optimism stems from the inherent collaboration of this organization, and its approach to interoperability is a direct reflection of its members, from legacy EHR vendors to modern health tech companies alike.
Less than a year after we joined, we’re seeing tremendous strides from the organization—currently, they have more than 5,000 live sites and millions of patient records accessible through the network. With the advancements in API functionality, we should expect that number to grow tremendously over the next year. Needless to say, we’re looking forward to it.