5 Critical HL7 Messages Every HMS Must Handle for Efficient Healthcare Operations

Exchanging health data between systems becomes more important. Health level seven messaging standard plays a crucial role in this part. It ensures that disparate healthcare systems seamlessly communicate with each other for data sharing. So, that the patient information across systems is consistent and accurate across platforms.

In this blog post, we have shared the 5 Main Important Messages that every hospital management system should handle for efficient healthcare operation. 

What is HL7 Messaging?

Health Level Seven is a set of international standards. It is mainly developed to provide a framework for the exchange, integration, sharing, and retrieval of electronic health information. In 1987, HL7 was established and aims to standardize the way how health information systems communicate. The standard ensures interoperability and reduces the complexities associated with data exchange.

HL7 Standards employs various standards. Among all, Version 2.x is extensively used for communications in healthcare situations. These messages are made up of segments and fields designed to convey various sorts of information, such as: 

• Patient demographics 
• Clinical observations 
• Administrative data. 

By adhering to HL7 standards, healthcare organizations can achieve seamless integration of systems such as EHR, LIS, and RIS.

Related: HL7 FHIR vs. Traditional Data Standards: Why Interoperability Matters

The 5 Essential HL7 Messages for Hospital Management Systems

Effective hospital management relies on the efficient flow of information. These are the 5 HL7 Messaging types that are important for hospital management systems:

• Admit, Discharge, Transfer Messages
• Order Entry Messages
• Observation Result Messages
• Medical Document Management Messages
• Detailed Financial Transactions Messages

1. Admit, Discharge, Transfer Messages

ADT messages are fundamental to patient administration within a hospital setting. 

They communicate vital information about a patient’s state, including admissions, discharges, and transfers. Each ADT message comprises segments that detail: 

• Patient identification 
• Visit information 
• Event specifics

For instance, when a patient is admitted, an ADT^A01 message is generated, conveying details such as the patient’s personal information, assigned attending physician, and designated hospital unit. 

This ensures that all relevant departments and systems are updated in real time, facilitating coordinated care and resource allocation.

2. Order Entry Messages

ORM messages are used to convey medical order-related information, such as requests for laboratory testing, imaging investigations, or prescription medications. These messages guarantee that orders are communicated correctly from the ordering system to the fulfillment department, such as the laboratory or pharmacy. An ORM message contains segments such as: 

• The order control – It specifies the action to be done 
• The observation request – It describes the specifics of the requested service. 

ORM messages improve clinical workflow efficiency by standardizing order communication.

3. Observation Result Messages

ORU communications transmit clinical observations and results, which are crucial to the diagnostic process. They are used to transmit results from multiple departments, including: 

• Laboratory findings 
• Imaging reports 
• Vital sign measures

Back to the ordering doctor or system. A typical ORU communication includes segments such as the observation request and observation result. 

It provides specific information about the test and its results. Timely and precise ORU communications allow doctors to make more informed decisions, which improves patient outcomes.

4. Medical Document Management Messages

MDM messaging helps to organize and exchange medical documents within and between healthcare systems. These communications are critical for sending papers including discharge summaries, operative reports, and consultation notes. An MDM message contains segments such as: 

• The TXA – It gives metadata about the document 
• OBX segments – It may contain the document’s content or location information. 

Implementing MDM messages ensures that vital documentation is available to authorized individuals. As it helps to promote continuity of care and informed clinical decision-making.

5. Detailed Financial Transactions Messages

DFT messages are critical to a hospital’s financial operations, as they contain information on patient invoicing and charges.

They provide service specifics, associated prices, and insurance information, allowing for more accurate and efficient invoicing processes. A DFT message is divided into segments, such as: 

• The financial transaction – It records individual financial transactions 
• The insurance segment – It details insurance policy information. 

DFT messages reduce billing problems and streamline revenue cycle management by standardizing financial communications.

Best Practices to Integrate HL7 Messages into Your HMS

The integration of HL7 messages and HMS requires careful planning. Without planning and execution, the system integration process might lead to failure. 

Here are the best practices hospitals need to follow for the successful implementation of HL7 messages into your hospital management system.

• Evaluate your hospital’s specific needs to decide which HL7 message types are most relevant.
• Involve important stakeholders, such as clinicians, IT professionals, and administrative officials, to gain varied perspectives and promote collaboration.
• Adopt the most recent HL7 standards and recommendations to ensure interoperability and future-proof your system.
• Provide comprehensive staff training to ensure that they understand HL7 protocols and the integrated system’s functionality.
• Before launching on a large scale, conduct comprehensive testing in a controlled setting to find and resolve concerns.
• Establish systems for continuing monitoring, maintenance, and support to handle any issues that develop after installation.

Hospitals can maximize the potential of HL7 communications by carefully developing and implementing certain best practices. This will result in increased operational efficiency.

Related: 5 Challenges Associated with HL7 FHIR and How CapMinds Helps to Solve

CapMinds HL7 FHIR Service for Healthcare Practice

CapMinds offers the best all-in-one health interoperability solution for healthcare practices. Our HL7 FHIR service will understand your clinical needs and requirements to cater to our solution. 

We have years of experience in this field faced many challenges and tackled them with ease. Why can CapMinds be your go-to Interoperability solution?

• We are experienced professionals with years of experience in the field.
• Our technical team is an expert who will analyze your healthcare practice thoroughly to tailor the Interoperability solution.
• We prioritize safety, security, encryption, and authentication to protect your healthcare practice patient’s data.
• Our comprehensive solution ensures seamless interoperability adhering to industry standards, and using standard protocols.
• We offer comprehensive training sessions to healthcare staff.
• Our affordable health interoperability solution benefits healthcare practice at all levels.

If you are searching for the best interoperability service for your practice, CapMinds is your choice. We can assist you by navigating all potential challenges and ensuring seamless health data exchange.

Reach out to CapMinds Health Data Exchange Solutions for your Healthcare Practice.