HL7 v2
HL7 v2 (Health Level Seven Version 2) is a widely adopted messaging standard for exchanging clinical and administrative data between healthcare systems. It defines a framework for structuring messages using segments, fields, and data types to facilitate interoperability in healthcare IT. The standard supports various healthcare workflows, such as patient admissions, laboratory orders, and clinical observations.
Developers should learn HL7 v2 when working on healthcare integration projects, such as connecting electronic health records (EHRs), laboratory information systems, or hospital information systems. It is essential for ensuring data exchange compliance in healthcare settings, particularly in legacy systems where it remains the de facto standard for interoperability. Use cases include implementing interfaces for patient registration, lab results reporting, and billing processes in hospitals and clinics.