Korea's Healthcare Data Standardization: Revision of Terminology and Transmission Standards for FHIR Interoperability

Details

The MOHW revised and implemented the 'Healthcare Data Terminology and Transmission Standard' to establish an interoperable environment where healthcare data can be exchanged using consistent terminology and transmission methods. The revision, based on field demand surveys and evaluations by the Healthcare Data Standardization Promotion Committee, introduces two core exchange data items (anesthesia method, specimen type) deemed highly clinically important and contributing to continuity of care. Furthermore, in addition to existing National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Institute codes (EDI), international medical terminology standards such as SNOMED CT and LOINC have been incorporated for standard item values related to test names. These revised core data items and their values are planned to be structured into detailed transmission technical specifications that can be exchanged via FHIR in the future. FHIR is described as a next-generation transmission standard that addresses shortcomings of traditional document-based exchange methods. The MOHW plans to support the utilization of international medical terminology standards by distributing both the FHIR specification for data transmission and associated value sets. This revision is highlighted as significant because it links and expands domestic standards into international standard systems, focusing on items with high clinical importance and general applicability in the field. Details are available from the Korea Health Information Standards Institute.