Progress in genomic testing technology has not only introduced clinical genomic data into medicine, but genomic testing has also become a vital tool to help enhance clinical decision making and, ultimately, precision medicine. Thus, EHR integration is critical to expanding genomic data utilization.
The ONC final rule calls on medical providers and health IT developers to promote patient data access using third-party apps and APIs.
Utilizing all aspects of the interoperability rule, along with the Health Level 7 (HL7) genomics model and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), could help bridge the gap between patient genomic data and interoperability.
Data standardization and specific data requirements are critical for precision medicine. ONC said it developed methodologies to improve data collection and exchange by leveraging standardized APIs.
While the ONC final interoperability rule sets out to end information blocking, it also invites medical providers and device developers to promote patient data access using third-party apps and APIs. Once APIs are more prevalent, their research utilization should expand.