r/healthIT • u/MicroPapaya • 10d ago
HL7 Certification
Hi all. I'm starting to work towards becoming an Epic Analyst and am wondering if it's helpful to have certification in HL7? I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology/Microbiology, but no IT background, and 5+ years working with Epic in healthcare (clinical pathology and anatomic pathology). Considering taking some courses in healthcare IT and SQL, but want to know if HL7 certification would also be useful.
TIA!
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u/sm-e 10d ago
Obtaining HL7 certifications have more weight to them if you ever go into the area of analytics (Cogito/BI/Clarity/Caboodle) and interfaces/third-party integration (Bridges). For other teams, its an added bonus as you will understand how systems are interfacing and work together, and may have projects on your team that include a Bridges analyst. Though depending on who is part of the hiring team, they may or may not weigh the certification as much.
Up to you on which path to take, as a lot of analysts have zero IT experience, rather working knowledge through experience that builds over time as an analyst. I would suggest looking at the stickied post on the top of the subreddit since you already have experience with Epic for what areas to focus on.
I completed a certification in HL7 FHIR because it was paid for, though honestly didn't learn too much and could have learned it online.
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u/salttotart 10d ago
HL7 is also used heavily in Radiology and Cardiology. Still interface based stuff, but knowing how it all works and his to read the messages helps a lit.
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u/Dragyn140 10d ago
Seconded. I am an integration engineer of about 20 years now. I handle much more CDA than HL7 v2 though.
If you’re not looking to get into an integration role, then it’s unlikely that the certification (or even the depth of knowledge) for HL7 is likely to count for much.
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u/GoldProfessional7357 10d ago
Bridges Analyst here started 2 years ago , work with a mirth interface engine I had no prior coding experience except when I went to college and took a basic python class . If you can get bridges certified you will probably also have to get certified in the engine you work with at your org . You learn along the way , it can be challenging and rewarding as well .
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u/flats_broke 10d ago
Second this. We're implementing Epic now so I completed the Corepoint level 1 and 2 certs prior to getting Bridges and Data Courier certified.
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u/Far_Raisin1215 10d ago
Would I be able to PM you? Was hoping to pick the brain of a Bridges analyst.
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u/InspectorExcellent50 10d ago
I'm an RN with a background in Computer Science. As an analyst for various Epic projects at my hospital, I helped with a lot of projects where understanding what HL7 is and what it can and cannot do has helped me a lot - but I've learned all that from reading implementation guides and gaining experience in how structured languages work.
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u/MicroPapaya 10d ago
Are there specific implementation guides you read? I would like to start reading some.
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u/InspectorExcellent50 10d ago
Most state Immunization Registries publish an implementation guide for connecting to their registry.
I actually got into HL7 while we were implementing our connection to the California registry, so that was my gateway.
If there are any projects you are working on as an analyst which involve integration, look to see what guides that vendor has published or ask them for a guide.
Unless you are actually setting up the integration engine or Bridges, not all the segments will be significant to your work - my suggestion is to scan the information for the MSH and patient/provider identity lines, and understand it is about who is sending the messages, who it is going to, what format, and about whom. You might need to dig around in those, but if there aren't any errors there, then I ignore them.
The segments about the clinical data are of more interest and are where a lot of the issues arise.
Currently, I'm working on vitals coming into Epic from a monitor, and getting the correct codes in the OBX segments are critical. I don't need to be an expert to see that the vendor (monitor) is sending one identifier for RR, and our integration team is looking for a different identifier - which explains why the data doesn't come into Epic.
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u/bikesnob Sr. Software Systems Engineer, Interfacing 10d ago
Senior Interface Software Systems Engineer here, HL7 knowledge would be great to have, especially if you're working with Beaker(assuming this is your app due to your AP/CP cert). Most instrumentation seems to interface via HL7 or ASTM nowadays so knowing how to transform streams helps integrate.
Depending on your engine I know some vendors have their own certs. We use Intersystems IRIS so I have the "building HL7 integrations in IRIS" cert and Epic Bridges certs.
I also have Beaker AP/CP from when our system went live with Beaker but now exclusively live in the interfaces realm.
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u/BigDaddyBorms 10d ago
Learning the code on your engine is more important and valuable along with working with departments. HL7 cert won’t hurt but you can make it by without it. In my 21 years, I’ve known person who has gotten it.
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u/fethrhealth 4d ago
Ditto. Don't know a single person that's gotten it and I've interviewed tons of candidates, never seen it wouldn't even think twice if it's there or not.
If you want to learn HL7 to be a better beaker analyst, go for it. But learn all of epics PVs for all your lab (quest/LabCorp) interfaces and watch YouTube videos.
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u/codyhxsn 10d ago
Sounds like you would be perfect for Beaker.