In this blog, we will discuss how the history of the HL7 Structure.
What is HL7?
HL7 messages are composed of segments, which are units of data that represent a particular type of information. Each segment contains a set of fields that provide specific details about the data being transmitted. The segments are identified by a three-letter code that defines their purpose and content.
The structure of an HL7 message consists of three main components: the message header, the message body, and the message trailer.
The Message Header
The message header contains information about the source and destination of the message, as well as other administrative details such as the message type, version, and timestamp. The header is composed of the following segments:
- MSH: Message Header Segment, which contains information such as the sending and receiving applications, the message type, and the message control ID.
The Message Body
The message body contains the clinical or administrative data being exchanged. The structure of the message body is defined by the message type, which determines the segments and fields that are required to be included in the message. The message body is composed of one or more segments, which can include:
- PID: Patient Identification Segment, which contains information such as the patient’s name, date of birth, and medical record number.
- ORC: Order Control Segment, which contains information about the order being placed or modified.
- OBR: Observation Request Segment, which contains information about a specific test or procedure being ordered.
- OBX: Observation Result Segment, which contains the results of a specific test or procedure.
The Message Trailer
The message trailer contains information about the message structure, such as the number of segments in the message. The trailer is composed of the following segments:
- MSH: Message Header Segment, which is repeated to indicate the end of the message.
In addition to these main components, HL7 messages may also contain optional segments and fields that provide additional information as needed.
Overall, the HL7 message structure provides a standardized format for the exchange of clinical and administrative data between different healthcare applications. By following these rules and guidelines, healthcare organizations can improve communication and interoperability, ultimately leading to better patient care.