ONC Certification for Behavioral Health EHR

We successfully enabled our client, a leading EHR software developer in behavioral health, to obtain ONC certification swiftly. Through our expertise in FHIR implementation and meticulous approach, we ensured compliance, fostering easy data exchange, improving interoperability, and enhancing their competitive edge. Our solution not only secured certification but also future-proofed their software for evolving healthcare standards, ultimately benefiting both clients and patients.

FHIR, Firely, Duende IDP

6 months

Our client is a prominent EHR solution developer, based in Maryland, specializing in behavioral health. They are known for their robust EHR software, widely used by numerous behavioral health providers across the nation. The primary objective of this project was to swiftly obtain ONC certification, a critical requirement for healthcare software providers to ensure compliance with the CMS Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule.

Failure to meet this certification could have severe repercussions, potentially preventing our client from serving their healthcare clients. The primary challenge lay in adapting their existing software to expose patient data in FHIR format while adhering to stringent ONC regulations. Although our client had a dedicated team of engineers, they lacked the specialized health tech skills and experience required to achieve this critical certification.

Challenges

The foremost challenge our client faced was the urgent need to secure ONC certification. This certification necessitated the implementation of features enabling the exposure of patient data in FHIR format, as well as stringent validation of compliance with ONC regulations. The stakes were high, as noncompliance could have led to our client being unable to offer their EHR software to healthcare providers. Their engineering team, while proficient in other aspects of their solution, lacked the specific expertise needed to tackle FHIR compliance effectively.

Solution

To address these challenges comprehensively, Vicert initiated a multifaceted solution. We began by developing the missing software features required for data exchange in FHIR format to meet ONC certification requirements. These features were meticulously designed to ensure compliance with the US Core Implementation Guide.

A critical aspect of our solution was identifying the right FHIR server to support the project. After exhaustive research, we selected Firely as the primary FHIR server, coupled with a customizable plugin known as Firely Facade. This strategic choice formed the backbone of our FHIR implementation.

One of the pivotal tasks was converting our client's existing data, stored in an MS SQL database, into the specified FHIR format. This conversion process was executed with precision to ensure seamless data compatibility.

Additionally, to support SMART on FHIR protocols, Vicert integrated an Identity Server (Duende Identity Server) into our client's FHIR system. This integration further enhanced the security and accessibility of patient data.

Finally, the solution underwent rigorous testing using ONC's Inferno tool to guarantee compliance with certification requirements. Our commitment to thorough testing ensured that our client's software met all necessary criteria.

Benefits

The results of Vicert's engagement were transformative for our client. Most notably, our client successfully achieved ONC certification, allowing them to resume their business operations without disruptions. This achievement not only bolstered their competitive position in the market but also paved the way for easy data exchange with other healthcare systems, enhancing interoperability and data-sharing capabilities. This, in turn, benefited both patients and partners, resulting in improved outcomes and heightened satisfaction.

Furthermore, the software solutions implemented by Vicert not only secured ONC certification but also future-proofed our client against evolving healthcare standards and regulations. The adaptability and scalability of the FHIR-compliant system positioned our client for continued success in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, Vicert's comprehensive approach effectively addressed our client's challenges, ensuring compliance and delivering substantial benefits to their operations and market positioning.