Implementing FHIR for Faster, Standardized Data Exchange of Vital Records in the US
Implementing FHIR for Faster, Standardized Data Exchange for Vital Records
Altarum is implementing FHIR standards to facilitate standardized data exchange for vital records.
Summary
Altarum partnered with U.S. states to implement FHIR standards, significantly improving vital records data exchange processes that previously relied on slow, legacy systems. This has reduced data transfer time from days to hours, enhancing public health and administrative efficiency.
Key Players
Details
Historically, U.S. states used disparate, legacy systems for exchanging vital records (death and birth data), resulting in processes that were slow, inconsistent, and often manual. This lack of standardization caused significant inefficiency and delays in critical areas like benefits disbursement, family notifications, and epidemic response. The federal mandate now requires states to standardize and accelerate this data exchange. Guidance from bodies like CMS and ASTP emphasizes the need for interoperable, real-time data exchange using API-based standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). Altarum addressed this challenge by implementing FHIR standards. FHIR allows for both broad and highly specific data exchange, providing necessary flexibility and precision. Altarum worked closely with state technical teams to accommodate varying levels of readiness—from legacy flat file batch processes to modern systems supporting FHIR messages. Currently, four states (Washington, Colorado, North Dakota, and Michigan) are operational for death reporting, and Wisconsin has begun work on all three types: birth, death, and fetal death reporting. These implementations have reduced reporting time from days to hours, leading to fewer errors, faster results, and greater workforce efficiency.
Technology Note
FHIR（Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources）は医療データ交換の国際標準。このエントリの関連技術: FHIR
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