This blog will discuss FHIR certification concepts, including capability statements, structured definitions, implementation guides, and profiling.

But, first let’s see What is FHIR?

What is FHIR?

FHIR is a robust healthcare data specification that includes concepts such as a FHIR terminology server, which stores value sets and code systems and allows for interoperability across different implementations.

This makes sharing content between different systems and implementations easier, resulting in more interoperability and accessible data exchange.

It is machine-readable, making sharing content between different systems and implementations easier and creating interoperability. This is a game-changing FHIR feature, as prior standards were published as documents that needed to be read and interpreted.

FHIR is being implemented in many places worldwide. While there is no killer app, it makes creating usable applications in different environments and organisations easy, making it a significant healthcare data innovation of the past decade.

Prerequisites for understanding FHIR

Previous knowledge of these concepts will be beneficial, as they are essential for understanding FHIR.

JSON is a messaging structure used in FHIR, similar to Rachel’s V2 pipe-delimited message format.

Prior knowledge of rest APIs and JSON will be an added advantage.

Topics covered in the HL7 FHIR Certification Course

Following the introduction, the focus moves to other resources, such as practice care observation, verification statement diagnostic reports, and appointment resources.

Cleaning FHIR is a tool to develop Q functions and areas, allowing for resource referencing and graphical representation.

Bundle resources are another essential and mainly used resource, with data types that don’t fall under the regular resources category.

Terminology is essential to FHIR, as it helps maintain all codes, including ICB, security, and line codes. Snowbird codes, CPT codes, and ICB codes are managed by a single server called a terminology server, which provides its services.

The FHIR Course focuses on understanding terminologies such as server, validations, and various interaction methods.

We will discuss converting an Excel 7 V2 message to an FHIR resource, an everyday use case in the industry. There are various methodologies, such as Java code, dot net code, and integration terms, to convert the message to FHIR.

The month integration engine creates a JSON object and posts it to the FHIR server. A live patient creation cycle is used, with the Happy FHIR server saving the data in their database.

The course also discusses Confirmation Profile, which helps create and manage profiles. Confluence is used to create and modify resources in line with FHIR specifications.

Concepts of FHIR Certification Training

This course will discuss the concept of FHIR, a short-term switching solution that addresses the issue of patient data access in the healthcare industry.

The primary hospital workflow involves patients visiting the hospital, registering demographic information, scheduling appointments with doctors, and sending data to the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

This data is then sent to the doctor, who diagnoses the patient’s problem, prescribes treatment, and records all charges related to patient records or services provided within the hospital.

However, EHR systems do not provide a single solution for patients to access their data. Hospitals own the data but do not share it in one place.

This problem has been addressed using patient portals, but they have not fully enabled patients to access their data. FHIR provides a layer of security on top of the existing database, incorporating data exchange mechanisms and standards to expose the data to the outside world.

This allows external companies to develop mobile and desktop apps that can be provided to patients, allowing them to access their data.

FHIR is a significant solution to data exchange within EHR systems. It ensures that only authorised individuals can access their data while also managing the security measures to ensure that only authorised individuals can access their data. This can be ordered through other development processes using FHIR.

FHIR was developed in the nascent stages and is currently being created by all scripts. However, moving to a standard will help maintain uniformity and eliminate the need for reinventing the wheel.

Existing data standards like Retou and CD were created to address data exchange issues between different systems. However, a new standard has become more critical as advancements like Fitbit, Google Watch, and mobile devices have made data capture more efficient.

In 2010, people realised the need for a new technology to incorporate into healthcare data exchange. They began discussing the development of a new standard that could solve problems with past standards like V3 and C D and provide futuristic solutions for data exchange in healthcare.

Roles in FHIR

Multiple roles can be performed as a FHIR resource, including business analyst, integration developer, and server-side developer. Business analysts must know how to create FHIR resources, map source data to FHIR resources, and develop mobile apps.

Integration developers need knowledge of JavaScript and structure to build transformations, while full-fledged developers need knowledge of API development, server-side implementations, and client-side developments.

Demand of FHIR: Future Developments in Healthcare Industries

The evolution of FHIR from the 1980s to 2019 has seen the development of various standards, including Rest API’s, which are now widely used and considered a standard version. R5 is expected to be released by the end of this year or early next year, but there are ongoing discussions about its release and future release.

Future developments in healthcare include using mobile apps for various EHR systems, integrating new technologies like Fitbit and Google Watch, and integrating new technologies like CD.

By adopting a standard that addresses these challenges and provides future-proof solutions, healthcareorganisations can continue to grow and improve their data exchange practices.

HL7 FHIR Certification Cost

FHIR certification does not have a set cost; rather, its cost varies based on both your program and company offering it.

Price can differ for individuals or organizations looking to attain certification of FHIR; for more details regarding cost estimates of certification programs/organisations.

Organisations or entities providing certification may impose different fees and procedures when providing FHIR certification services; depending on the level of certification as well as additional support or training fees, costs associated with certification could range anywhere between hundreds to thousands.

FHIR Certification Process

Initially designed by leaders in the FHIR community, the test aimed to ensure a broad understanding of FHIR among the community.

The exam is a closed book with 50 questions, three types of questions (multi-choice, multi-select, and actual false), and a passing score of 70%.

The exam tests nine competencies: FHIR fundamentals, resource concepts, exchange mechanisms, conformance and implementation guidance, terminology, representing healthcare concepts using FHIR resources, safety and security, FHIR maintenance process, and FHIR licensing.

Each competency is tested through a practice question, where participants are asked to identify and answer statements related to FHIR fundamentals. The exam is not practical and is not designed to require software development.

FHIR is a specification that focuses on implementers, aiming to support resource formats understandable by both technical and non-technical readers. It is accessible to HL7 numbers and non-numbers but is limited to personal use.

It supports multiple exchange mechanisms, simplifies implementation at the expense of information integrity, and aims to support resource formats that are understandable by technical and non-technical readers.

Installation guidance is built into FHIR, with test servers, reference implementations, tools, profiling, validation, and testing available for implementers. The vibrant community of FHIR is crucial for developing standards and interoperability.

Title concepts and terminology are also crucial in FHIR, with key concepts like code, code system, concept map, and value set uniquely identified by a URI. Practice questions and review courses are available for further learning.

How to Prepare for PHIR Certification?

Reviewing the study tip sheet, taking a practice test, and taking a three-hour exam review class are recommended to prepare for the exam.

While some may assume that being a software developer is necessary to pass the exam, it is essential to note that experienced FHIR implementers and standard developers may still need to brush up on some parts.

The list of competencies covers a wide range of topics, but it is essential to focus on depth and breadth when preparing for the exam. Experienced individuals should be ready to cover all competencies, as those with less experience may not understand some areas.

Preparing for an FHIR certification exam emphasises the importance of understanding resource and exchange fundamentals, the evolution of the FHIR specification, profiling, restful API with exchange mechanisms, documents with exchange mechanisms, the yellow brick road with terminology, and building anFHIR app.

Benefits of getting FHIR Certified

The benefits of getting certified include having a certification listed on your resume, helping from an employment perspective, and having an excellent overarching knowledge of FHIR. Getting certified can provide valuable skills and knowledge that can benefit your employer.

HL7 FHIRCertification process highlights the importance of understanding the certification process and its benefits.

HL7 maintains a directory of certified individuals and can send a paper FHIR certificate if desired. The proficiency test is a proficiency test, not a mastery test.

Importance of the FHIR Certification

The importance of the certification and its value to students. It is not the most expensive or requires years of preparation. Certifications are a valuable tool for students and are not the only option for those seeking certification.

FHIR is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, requiring many regulations. FHIR APIs are used in research labs, and the US government is interested in global FHIR. The FHIR community is not ignoring legacy standards like H07B2 and CDA but providing migration paths.

This helps in creating tooling and mappings. Certifications for FHIR are not necessary, but they are essential for growth opportunities.

The V2 certification for those doing V2 work and CDA work. The V2 certification focuses on control, which helps ensure compliant interfaces. It is recommended for those doing V2 work and CDA work.