How is data sharing facilitated between Epic and other systems?

Data sharing between Epic and other systems is primarily facilitated via HL7 and FHIR standards. These standards are specifically designed to ensure interoperability between disparate healthcare systems. HL7 (Health Level Seven) provides a framework for the exchange, integration, sharing, and retrieval of electronic health information. FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is a newer standard that builds on HL7 and supports modern web technologies, making it easier for systems to communicate over the internet.

Using these standards allows for structured and standardized data exchange, ensuring that different healthcare systems can interpret and use the information effectively. This is particularly important in healthcare, where patient data must be shared quickly and accurately to improve care coordination and treatment outcomes, which would not be the case with methods like secure email communications or manual data entry. These alternatives could introduce delays, errors, and security risks, limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of data sharing in healthcare settings.