Data Interchange Standards

Discussion

Data Interchange Standards

The ability to share health information among key provider stakeholders by sending and receiving data across information systems is critical to the practice of health care. Health care data interchange standardsand the organizations that develop and promote themfacilitate this essential process by enabling the exchange of health information in a way that is both understandable and useful to the various stakeholders. Without the benefit of these standards, health care providers’ ability to access and share information for use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients would be seriously compromised.

To prepare for this discussion, you need to reflect on the purpose and use of data interchange standards in health care. You will also explore in detail the specifics of some of the most commonly used standards for data interchange, including Health Level 7 (HL7), Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), National Council on Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), and Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12).

By Day 4, post a comprehensive response to the following: How can you distinguish between commonly used data interchange standards, including Health Level 7 (HL7), Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), National Council on Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), and Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12)?

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

By Day 6, respond to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question.
• Expand on the colleague’s posting with additional insight and resources.
• Offer polite disagreement or critique, supported with evidence.

In addition, you may respond as follows:

• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion or comment that guides or facilitates the discussion.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments. You are not required to post these final insights.