HL7 Overview

Owned by Dylan Nigh
Last updated: Oct 04, 2023
2 min read

HL7 can mean two things:

  1. A stand alone ability, it is used bidirectionally to send and update demographical information.

  2. It is also a standard file format for laboratory results in unidirectional labs ability.”

The HL7 feature allows HL7 messaging between MacPractice and a third party HL7 messaging source. The third party source will specify whether the HL7 messages will be sent from a File/Folder drop or a TCP/IP import function. HL7 may be used for exchange of other clinical information in addition to Labs, such as Immunizations, Syndromic Surveillance, etc.

A File/Folder scheme uses a file transfer protocol (FTP or SFTP) system and two network shared folders (incoming and outgoing) to allow HL7 messaging, whereas a TCP/IP scheme uses a static real world IP address and a series of open ports on the router/firewall. A Certified Local Network Technician can assist with either of these designs.

The HL7 feature allows HL7 messaging between MacPractice and a third party source. Specifications provided by the third party HL7 company will impact set-up within MacPractice.

The HIE Consent Checkbox

For any type of HL7 messaging, checking the HIE (Health Information Exchange) Consent checkbox confirms a patient has signed the HIE to allow demographic and medical information to be sent as HL7 messages. If the HIE Consent checkbox is not checked, HL7 messages will not be sent for the patient and this functionality will not work.

The HIE Consent flag can be set for each individual patient, for the default patient, or for all patients automatically:

  • To set the HIE Consent flag for each patient, check the HIE Consent box located in the Patient tab of the Patient Ability.

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  • To set the HIE Consent flag for all new patients by default, check the HIE Consent box located in the Patient tab of the Default patient, located at the top of the Patients ability sidebar.

  • The HL7 panel of Preferences contains an Enable HIE Consent button within the Outgoing tab. When the Enable HIE Consent button is selected, all current and new patients in the MacPractice database will have the HIE Consent checkbox enabled.