Healthcare interoperability has been a challenge for decades. Despite billions of dollars invested in EHR systems, most healthcare applications still struggle to exchange data seamlessly. SMART on FHIR is changing that—and it's the foundation of how Birth Model integrates with Epic and Oracle Health.
What is SMART on FHIR?
SMART (Substitutable Medical Applications, Reusable Technologies) is a set of open specifications that enable healthcare applications to run on top of EHR systems. FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is a modern standard for exchanging healthcare data.
Together, SMART on FHIR provides a standardized way for third-party applications to:
- Authenticate securely with EHR systems using OAuth 2.0
- Access patient data in a standardized format
- Launch directly from within the EHR interface
- Write data back to the patient record
Why This Matters for Healthcare
Faster Implementation
Traditional EHR integrations can take 12-18 months and hundreds of thousands of dollars. SMART on FHIR applications can be deployed in weeks because they use standardized APIs rather than custom interfaces.
Reduced IT Burden
Hospital IT departments don't need to build and maintain custom integration code. SMART on FHIR applications work with the EHR's existing infrastructure.
Better Security
OAuth 2.0 authentication means applications never handle user passwords. Access tokens provide granular, time-limited permissions that can be revoked if needed.
In-Context Launch
SMART applications launch within the EHR with full patient context already loaded. Users don't need to re-enter patient information or switch between systems.
Birth Model's SMART on FHIR Implementation
Zero-Click Integration
Birth Model launches automatically when a provider opens an obstetric patient's chart. There's no separate login, no switching windows, no context loss. The patient's complete L&D data is immediately available.
Real-Time Data Flow
As nurses document vital signs, cervical exams, and medications in the EHR, that data flows to Birth Model in real-time. Our AI continuously updates predictions and risk assessments based on the latest clinical information.
Bi-Directional Sync
Birth Model doesn't just read data—it writes back to the EHR. AI-generated delivery notes, procedure summaries, and handoff reports are automatically saved to the patient's chart, eliminating duplicate documentation.
Technical Details
For those interested in the technical implementation:
- Authentication: OAuth 2.0 with PKCE flow for enhanced security
- Data Format: FHIR R4 resources including Patient, Observation, Procedure, and Condition
- Launch Context: EHR launch with patient and encounter context
- Epic Support: Listed in Epic App Orchard, Connection Hub integration
- Oracle Health Support: Certified Cerner HealtheIntent integration
The Path Forward
SMART on FHIR represents the future of healthcare application development. As the standard matures and more EHRs adopt it, we'll see an explosion of innovation—specialized applications that solve specific clinical problems without requiring massive integration projects.
Birth Model is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating what's possible when clinical AI meets modern interoperability standards.
See Our Integration in Action
Schedule a demo to see how Birth Model integrates seamlessly with your EHR.
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