What is a Bidirectional Interface?

In health IT, a bidirectional interface enables two different systems to send information in both directions—sending and receiving data both ways.

Bidirectional interfaces enable the seamless sharing of patient data across different healthcare applications. For example, a radiology department’s PACS could send medical images to the organization’s electronic health record (EHR) system. In turn, the bidirectional interface allows the EHR system to supply patient information to the PACS.

Use Cases for a Bidirectional Interface

A bidirectional interface expedites the sharing of patient data across multiple systems in a healthcare organization. An everyday use case for a bidirectional interface is sending a prescription order from an EHR to a pharmacy’s dispensing system. Once the medication order has been filled, the EHR receives a status update.

Bidirectional interfaces are not limited to a single organization’s healthcare systems. Immunization records are regularly sent to government systems via bidirectional interfaces, enabling the tracking of accurate health demographics information. Lab orders are frequently sent to facilities outside of a healthcare organization, and a bidirectional interface allows for the results to be sent back to the EHR system.

Healthcare interface experts can also develop custom bidirectional interfaces for a healthcare organization’s specialized needs.

About HL7 Bidirectional Interfaces

The high level of interoperability seen in bidirectional interfaces is achieved by following standards set by Health Level Seven, Inc., also known as HL7.

HL7 is an international healthcare standards organization headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The HL7 interface protocol is a widely used software development model for creating bidirectional interfaces. 

The HL7 interface standard defines the format and contents of data sent along a bidirectional interface, ensuring both systems can exchange patient data.

How TempDev Can Help With a Bidirectional Interface 

TempDev’s team of NextGen consultants, developers, and trainers can help you implement, switch, or even upgrade your current EHR system. From dashboards, templates, and reports to revenue cycle consulting, automation, and workflow redesign, TempDev offers the tools you need to make the most of your NextGen EHR system.

Our team is here to help you design, organize, and implement the whole system, with top tips and guidance based on industry best practices. 

Contact us here or call us at 888.TEMP.DEV to get the help you need to integrate your healthcare systems with implementing and maintaining bidirectional interfaces.