Health Level 7 (HL7) Explained for Clinics

Health Level 7 (HL7) is a set of international standards that helps healthcare systems talk to each other. Think of it like a shared language that allows different electronic health records (EHRs), billing systems, and scheduling tools to exchange information accurately and consistently.

These standards are maintained by the non-profit organization Health Level Seven International, and they ensure that your patient data—like diagnoses, lab results, and appointments—can be shared across platforms securely and in real time.

Whether you're running a small speech therapy clinic or a multidisciplinary center, HL7 is likely working behind the scenes to keep your software connected.

Why HL7 matters in healthcare

• Improves interoperability: Systems from different vendors (EHR, billing, scheduling) can communicate.
• Reduces manual work: Less copying and pasting between tools.
• Boosts patient safety: Up-to-date info leads to better decisions.
• Supports compliance: Helps meet regulations like HIPAA by standardizing how data is transmitted.

How HL7 works: a practical overview

At its core, HL7 defines how messages are formatted and exchanged between systems. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. Data formatting: HL7 creates a specific structure for each message (like a lab result or appointment).
2. Transmission: The message is sent electronically from one system to another using HL7 protocols.
3. Parsing & processing: The receiving system reads the message, extracts the data, and updates its records accordingly.

There are different versions of HL7, including:

• HL7 v2: The most widely used in hospitals and clinics.
• HL7 v3: A more formal but less adopted structure.
• FHIR: A modern HL7 standard using APIs—popular in new cloud-based systems.

Examples of HL7 in real-world settings

• Speech therapy intake form integration: A patient fills out a digital form. The data gets sent to the EHR via an HL7 message, eliminating manual entry.
• Appointment reminders: A scheduling platform sends HL7 messages to a reminder system, triggering SMS or email alerts to patients.
• Billing and claims: Once a session is documented, HL7 messages carry diagnosis and treatment data to billing systems to create claims.
• Care coordination: Notes or treatment plans can be shared with external providers, as long as both systems support HL7.

FAQs about HL7 (for non-technical readers)

1. What does HL7 actually stand for?

HL7 stands for Health Level Seven, referring to the seventh layer (application layer) in the OSI model for data communication.

2. Is HL7 the same as FHIR?

Not exactly. FHIR is a newer HL7 standard that uses web technologies like APIs. It’s more modern and easier to implement than earlier HL7 versions.

3. Do therapy clinics need to understand HL7?

Not in-depth, but it helps to know what it is—especially when choosing software vendors or integrating new systems.

4. Is HL7 secure?

HL7 messages themselves aren’t encrypted, but most implementations are layered with secure transport protocols like HTTPS or VPNs to meet HIPAA standards.

5. Can HL7 help reduce admin time?

Yes. When systems “speak HL7,” they can automate repetitive tasks—like entering patient data or syncing schedules—which saves time for your staff.

Final thoughts

HL7 may sound like tech jargon, but its impact is real and tangible—especially for therapy practices looking to scale or streamline. From automating data entry to improving collaboration across providers, understanding HL7 is a small step with big payoffs.

If you're exploring new tools for your clinic, asking about HL7 compatibility is a smart move. It’s not just about technology—it’s about building a connected, efficient workflow that supports better patient care.

Additional reading: ONC Guide to Interoperability