Submitting and Exchanging Data

If you are a provider and use an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, you may be able to share data with I-CARE using HL7 data exchange. You will need to contact your EHR vendor to determine if your EHR system is HL7-compatible. You also may need to acquire an additional interface for your EHR to send and exchange immunization data.

On this page:
File Specifications
How can I send immunization data to IDPH?
What if I can’t produce an HL7 file?
To begin HL7 data exchange:

File Specifications

I-CARE accepts immunization data in HL7 versions 2.3.1 or 2.5.1.

How can I send immunization data to IDPH?

Illinois Department of Public Health has implemented HL7 data exchange using two methods. The first method is one-way data transfer of unsolicited vaccine record updates to the statewide registry. This method accepts batch immunization data using the Department’s Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) system or the I-CARE application.

The second method is real-time, bidirectional data exchange of vaccine record updates, queries and responses. This method allows immunization providers using their EHR system to query I-CARE for a patient (not found in their own EMR system) and ICARE will send the patient immunization information back. It also will allow providers to send updates from their EHR directly to I-CARE for immediate update. This method uses the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) with web services.

What if I can’t produce an HL7 file?

There is another option for providers that cannot produce an HL7 formatted file. You can send a flat file or Continuity of Care Document (CCD) xml to the Public Health Node (PHN) which will take the data, format it into HL7 and then send to I-CARE. For more information on the PHN and immunizations please visit http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/HIE/Pages/publichealth.aspx.

To begin HL7 submission and exchange:

1. Verify your EHR system is HL7-compatible. Contact your EHR vendor. The document HL7 I-CARE Specifications details the specifications required by I-CARE for sending data in HL7 format. This information can be passed along to your vendor or your technical staff to verify compatibility.
2. Return to the Provider Enrollment section of the Enrolling in I-CARE page to complete provider enrollment.
3. Determine how you will send data to I-CARE. Data can be sent using the Department’s SFTP system or you can become a registered I-CARE user to send data directly in the application. Most providers will choose the first option. The I-CARE HL7 Procedures guide contains instructions on obtaining the SFTP account and other documentation.

If you have general questions regarding HL7 data exchange please contact the I-CARE Project Manager, Robin Holding at robin.holding@illinois.gov. For all HL7 technical questions please contact HL7 Development Support, Igor Slobodyanyuk at igor.slobodyanyuk@illinois.gov.