The Evolution of APIs in Healthcare
If you work with healthcare data, you rely on application programming interfaces, or APIs. These systems facilitate data transfer among multiple digital databases and programs. For example, an API can trigger the update of a patient’s electronic health record (EHR) or produce regular reports about scheduling, payments, and other administrative functions. When a provider enters patient details into an insurer’s API, the program provides instant policy coverage information. Exploring the evolution of APIs i n the context of healthcare data allows professionals to better understand how these systems function and take full advantage of their capabilities. As we prepare for the new data provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act, which mandates secure, seamless sharing of healthcare information among practices, APIs will become an even more integral part of the practice landscape. The Basis of Care Coordination As patients visit multiple primary and specialty care providers across practi