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How to Develop SMART on FHIR Apps for Healthcare?

How to Develop SMART on FHIR Apps for Healthcare?
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Healthcare apps must meet rising demands for security, privacy, and seamless data exchange. Manual data entry and outdated integrations still put patients at risk like prescription errors from missing medication histories, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.

SMART on FHIR is changing that. It enables fast, secure app integration with major EHR systems like Epic and Cerner, using OAuth2.0 for zero-trust security and ensuring compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and CMS.

With the growing need for interoperability and secure data sharing in healthcare, we’ve guided a number of clients in adopting SMART on FHIR to build scalable, modular apps that integrate seamlessly with existing systems. 

Our deep understanding of healthcare tech and regulatory requirements makes IdeaUsher the perfect partner to help you develop SMART on FHIR apps that enhance patient care and meet industry standards. In this blog, we’ll explore how to develop SMART on FHIR apps for healthcare, discussing the key features, benefits, and implementation steps to create secure, interoperable, and efficient healthcare solutions.

Key Market Takeaways for SMART on FHIR Apps for Healthcare

According to AlliedMarketResearch, the clinical decision support platform market, which was valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $2.4 billion by 2033, reflecting a steady annual growth of 7.3%. A major factor driving this expansion is the increasing use of electronic health records, paving the way for more advanced solutions like SMART on FHIR apps. These apps help healthcare organizations make better use of their data, improve workflows, and enhance clinical decision-making, making healthcare delivery more effective and efficient.

Key Market Takeaways for SMART on FHIR Apps for Healthcare

Source: AlliedMarketResearch

SMART on FHIR apps are gaining momentum because they enable secure, standardized access to health data across various EHR systems. This ability to easily exchange information allows healthcare providers, payers, and patients to access real-time insights that improve care. 

By integrating third-party apps into EHR systems, SMART on FHIR speeds up development and fosters a thriving marketplace of healthcare solutions, much like the app ecosystems that have transformed consumer technology. Several high-profile partnerships highlight the growing role of SMART on FHIR in healthcare. 

For example, Apple Health integrates SMART on FHIR standards, giving patients easy access to records from numerous providers. 

The MedTrue app, developed by Geisinger Health System and Merck, helps improve medication adherence, while CommonSpirit Health’s collaboration with Propeller Health has led to significant reductions in hospitalizations for asthma and COPD.

FHIR, or Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, is a healthcare data standard designed to improve the way health information is shared between systems. Unlike older standards, such as HL7 v2 or CCDA, FHIR is built with the modern tech landscape in mind. It uses RESTful APIs, which makes it more accessible and developer-friendly. It’s a big step forward in making health data interoperable across different systems, ensuring that healthcare organizations can share and use data efficiently.

Understanding SMART on FHIR and Related Concepts

FHIR organizes healthcare information into “resources.” These resources are standardized modules of data that represent various components of healthcare information, such as:

  • Patient: Information about a person receiving care.
  • Observation: Health data recorded from a clinical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., blood pressure reading).
  • Medication: Information about drugs prescribed to a patient.

FHIR resources are not only organized in a standardized format but also flexible enough to support integration into modern apps. It allows for communication in both JSON and XML formats, making it compatible with a wide range of software solutions. This flexibility is critical for the integration of mobile apps, patient portals, and clinical software into existing healthcare systems.

FHIR is becoming the new standard in healthcare because it’s widely supported by major EHR vendors like Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts, and is mandated by the U.S. government through regulations such as the ONC Cures Act. This law mandates the use of FHIR in various healthcare data exchanges to promote interoperability across healthcare systems.


What is SMART on FHIR?

Building on the foundation of FHIR, SMART enables third-party apps to securely integrate with EHR systems, solving a key challenge in healthcare. This enables businesses to create apps that work seamlessly within the workflows of hospitals and clinics without needing a deep, customized integration for each EHR system.

The SMART on FHIR framework achieves this with an OAuth 2.0-based security framework, which ensures patient data is kept private and that third-party apps only access the data they are explicitly authorized to access. This is particularly important as it ensures HIPAA compliance, meaning the privacy and security of health data are guaranteed by law.

Key features of SMART on FHIR include:

  • Secure Access to Patient Data: Apps can access patient information only after the patient’s explicit consent, leveraging OAuth 2.0 protocols. This ensures patient privacy is maintained and security is not compromised.
  • Plug-and-Play Apps: With SMART on FHIR, apps can be added into existing EHR systems with minimal customization. The standardized nature of the framework means that apps work across different healthcare providers, which is a significant improvement over older integration methods.
  • Interoperability Across Systems: Since it’s based on FHIR, SMART on FHIR allows apps to interface with multiple EHR systems (such as Epic, Cerner, and others), meaning developers can build once and deploy across multiple platforms without having to modify the app for each individual system.

Why Does SMART on FHIR Matter in Healthcare?

With SMART on FHIR framework, healthcare apps can securely interact with multiple EHR systems, facilitating seamless access and sharing of patient data. It ensures regulatory compliance with standards like HIPAA and the ONC Cures Act. By enabling faster innovation, it allows businesses to build once and deploy across multiple EHR platforms, enhancing patient and provider access to health data.

1. EHR Interoperability

For hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations, FHIR and SMART on FHIR solve the major problem of interoperability, getting data from one EHR system to another. In the past, data was often locked within specific systems, making it difficult to share and collaborate across healthcare providers. With SMART on FHIR, applications can seamlessly retrieve, update, and share data from any FHIR-compliant system, breaking down the barriers between different EHR vendors.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Healthcare is heavily regulated, and any new system or app that accesses health data must meet strict standards, such as HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in Europe. SMART on FHIR helps ensure that any third-party app connecting to an EHR complies with these regulations, especially when it comes to patient consent and secure access to health information. 

The ONC Cures Act mandates that patients have easy access to their own health data, and SMART on FHIR enables this in a secure and standardized way.

3. Faster Innovation in Healthcare Technology

SMART significantly reduces the barriers to innovation in healthcare. Businesses can build apps that work across various EHR platforms without worrying about each system’s specifics. This means new tools and features can be deployed faster, allowing for quicker adoption of digital health solutions, such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, and personalized patient care.

4. Enhancing Patient and Provider Access

Patients and providers benefit from the ability to securely access and interact with health data through apps. For example, a patient might use an app to track their health metrics and securely share them with their doctor, who could view that data directly within their EHR system. The ability to access health information in real time can improve patient engagement, care coordination, and ultimately health outcomes.


Key Terms to Know in the Healthcare Tech Landscape

  • EHR or Electronic Health Record: A digital version of a patient’s medical history that’s maintained by healthcare providers. EHRs are comprehensive, dynamic records that include everything from patient demographics to clinical notes, lab results, and treatment histories. Major platforms include Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts.
  • Patient Access API: Under the ONC Cures Act, healthcare providers are required to make patient data accessible through apps via APIs. This empowers patients to access their health information whenever they want, fostering greater transparency and empowerment.
  • HL7 Standards: HL7 (Health Level Seven) is an organization that defines standards for the exchange, integration, and sharing of health information. FHIR is a part of the HL7 family of standards, which also includes older formats like HL7 v2 and CCDA (Continuity of Care Document).

The Transformative Benefits of SMART on FHIR Apps in Healthcare

Thanks to SMART and FHIR, healthcare apps now facilitate secure, real-time data exchange across EHR systems, driving improvements in patient care and engagement. These apps speed up development and innovation with reusable architecture, cutting down on costs. They also meet strict regulatory standards like HIPAA and the ONC Cures Act, ensuring secure, interoperable solutions.

1. Technical Advantages

Seamless Data Access & Secure Authentication

SMART on FHIR provides standardized, API-based access to data from popular EHR systems like Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts, using FHIR RESTful APIs. The integration is secure, with OAuth 2.0 authentication ensuring HIPAA-compliant access without exposing sensitive credentials. Additionally, it enables real-time data synchronization, reducing manual errors and ensuring data accuracy.

Reusable App Architecture

With SMART on FHIR, developers can build apps that work across multiple EHR platforms with a “write once, deploy anywhere” approach. This eliminates the need for vendor-specific customizations, making the apps easy to scale and update. The use of open-source libraries like SMART JS Client and FHIR.js further accelerates development, reducing time and cost.


2. Business Advantages

Faster Time-to-Market for New Features

The adoption of SMART on FHIR accelerates development by up to 50%, as pre-built FHIR integrations simplify the creation of new applications. Sandbox environments provided by EHR vendors (such as Epic on FHIR and Cerner Code Console) allow developers to rapidly prototype and test apps, bringing innovations to market much faster.

Enhanced Patient Engagement & Outcomes

SMART on FHIR enables patient-facing apps like telehealth and wearables to securely access and pull data from EHRs, allowing for personalized care plans and improved patient engagement. For clinicians, decision support tools powered by real-time data analytics help to improve diagnosis accuracy and overall patient outcomes.

Interoperability Across Diverse Healthcare Systems

SMART on FHIR helps break down data silos between hospitals, labs, and pharmacies, facilitating seamless data exchange. It also supports emerging standards like the USCDI and Da Vinci Project, ensuring that healthcare investments are future-proofed and adaptable to new industry trends.


3. Compliance & Competitive Edge

Meet Regulatory Requirements Effortlessly

SMART on FHIR ensures compliance with regulations like the ONC Cures Act, which mandates the use of FHIR-based Patient Access APIs. Additionally, it’s built to be HIPAA and GDPR-compliant, using OAuth 2.0 for secure data access and encryption to protect Protected Health Information (PHI).

Gain Market Differentiation

Healthcare organizations and app developers can gain a competitive edge by offering interoperable solutions through app marketplaces, such as Epic’s App Orchard. This opens the door to strategic partnerships with health systems seeking efficient, secure, and interoperable technology solutions.


Step-by-Step Process to Develop SMART on FHIR Apps

We focus on delivering SMART on FHIR apps that are tailored to the individual needs of healthcare systems. Our process ensures each app integrates effectively, adheres to standards, and drives better patient care by optimizing data exchange.

Step-by-Step Process to Develop SMART on FHIR Apps

Step 1: Define Objectives and Scope

We begin by collaborating with our clients to understand their specific needs. Together, we define the key workflows the app will address, such as improving patient data management or enhancing clinical decision-making. We also clarify user roles, whether patients, clinicians, or administrators, to ensure the app is designed to meet their expectations and improve their experience.


Step 2: Set Up FHIR Server and Sandbox

After aligning on the app’s goals, we set up a FHIR-compliant server to host the app’s data. We recommend servers like HAPI FHIR or Azure API for FHIR, which we know are reliable and secure. We also access sandbox environments provided by EHR vendors like Epic or SMART Health IT for testing, making sure everything works smoothly before moving to production.


Step 3: Register Your App and Configure OAuth2

Next, we register the app with the appropriate platform to get a client ID and client secret. This allows us to configure OAuth 2.0 authentication, ensuring that access to patient data is secure and HIPAA-compliant. We also set up redirect URIs and define the scopes of access to ensure the app can only retrieve the necessary data, maintaining security and privacy.


Step 4: Develop the App

Our development team then focuses on building the app. We use frameworks like React or Angular for the frontend to ensure the app is intuitive and easy to use. We integrate the necessary FHIR APIs to retrieve and post data, ensuring seamless interaction with EHR systems. Additionally, we implement SMART authorization workflows to securely manage patient access, always adhering to privacy standards.


Step 5: Test Against EHR Sandbox Environments

Before deploying the app, we test it rigorously in the EHR sandbox environments. This helps us validate the authentication, data exchange, and app performance in real-world scenarios. We also conduct thorough security and compliance testing, ensuring the app meets HIPAA and other regulatory requirements, guaranteeing the protection of sensitive patient data.


Step 6: Deploy and Monitor

Once testing is complete and the app is ready, we integrate it with the live EHR systems, ensuring a smooth transition to production. After deployment, we set up monitoring, error logging, and version control to ensure the app continues to operate efficiently and stays updated. This ongoing support ensures the app remains secure, reliable, and aligned with any future changes in healthcare regulations or technology.

Cost of Integrating SMART on FHIR in Healthcare Apps

We believe in providing cost-effective SMART on FHIR integrations for healthcare apps, ensuring that our clients get the most out of their investment without sacrificing quality. Our solutions are tailored to meet their needs and optimize results.

Phase 1: Discovery & Planning

Sub-StepCost Range
Requirements Gathering & Scope Definition$1,000 – $5,000
EHR System Assessment & API Compatibility$1,000 – $4,000
Architecture Design & Technology Stack Selection$500 – $1,500

Phase 2: Development & Integration

Sub-StepCost Range
SMART on FHIR Authentication & Authorization Implementation$4,000 – $15,000
FHIR Data Retrieval & Processing$5,000 – $20,000
Application Logic & UI/UX Development$8,000 – $30,000
Security & Compliance Implementation (HIPAA, etc.)$3,000 – $10,000
Middleware/API Gateway (Optional but Recommended)$0 – $5,000

Phase 3: Testing & Validation

Sub-StepCost Range
Unit & Integration TestingIncluded in Development Cost
End-to-End Testing & Workflow Validation$2,000 – $7,000
Security Testing (Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Scans)$1,000 – $5,000
EHR Vendor Certification/Validation$1,000 – $5,000 per validation cycle

Phase 4: Deployment & Go-Live

Sub-StepCost Range
Infrastructure Setup (Cloud Hosting)$500 – $2,000
Deployment & Configuration$500 – $1,500

Phase 5: Post-Launch Support & Maintenance (Ongoing, Annual)

Sub-StepCost Range
Bug Fixing & Patches$2,000 – $10,000+
Monitoring & Support$1,000 – $5,000+
Feature Enhancements & FHIR UpdatesVariable
EHR Vendor Annual Support FeesVariable

The figures shared here are estimates, with the total cost expected to fall between $47,000 and $100,000 USD. For a more accurate quote specific to your project, feel free to reach out for a free consultation. We’re eager to help you bring your vision to life.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Integrating SMART on FHIR in Healthcare Apps

Integrating SMART on FHIR into healthcare applications involves several factors that can influence the overall cost. These factors range from the complexity of the app to the specific needs for compliance, security, and scalability. Here are some key elements that affect the cost:

  • Scope & Functionality: More complex features, such as advanced data processing or multi-EHR integration, raise costs.
  • EHR Integration: The compatibility and customization required for different EHR systems can impact pricing.
  • Security & Compliance: HIPAA compliance and other security measures add to development costs,
  • Development Complexity: Advanced technical requirements require more skilled developers, increasing cost.
  • FHIR Resource Usage: The number and complexity of FHIR resources your app uses affects the cost of data handling.
  • Customization & Design: Advanced UI/UX designs increase both design and development expenses.
  • Vendor Fees: API access and certification fees from EHR vendors can add significant costs.

Common Challenges & How We Overcame Them For Clients

Our experience working with healthcare organizations to build SMART on FHIR apps has given us valuable insights into the specific hurdles faced by the industry. The intricacies of healthcare systems and regulations often pose challenges, but we’ve honed our approach to deliver high-quality, fully functional applications that meet these demands.

1. Authentication & Authorization Issues

Authentication and authorization are key challenges in any SMART on FHIR application. OAuth 2.0 flows, token expiration, and the unique way different EHR vendors implement security can introduce complications. These issues can delay development and create barriers to seamless integration.

Proven Solutions

  • SMART App Launch Sequence: We always follow the standardized SMART launch protocol, which simplifies the authentication process and ensures that the app launches smoothly.
  • Robust token management: Implementing automated refresh token workflows ensures users aren’t logged out unexpectedly due to token expiration, making the app experience more reliable.
  • Use certified libraries: We use trusted tools like SMART JS Client to handle authentication workflows, which simplifies the OAuth 2.0 process.
  • Extensive sandbox testing: Testing within EHR sandbox environments, such as Epic and Cerner, allows us to simulate real-world scenarios and ensure authentication works flawlessly before deployment.

2. Data Mapping & Inconsistency

Data mapping is crucial in healthcare apps, but it can be challenging due to the variability of FHIR resource structures. Data discrepancies and missing information are common issues, especially when different EHR vendors implement FHIR standards in slightly different ways.

Proven Solutions

  • FHIR validation: We validate FHIR resources early in the development process to ensure they match the expected data structure. This step minimizes errors before they escalate.
  • Data normalization layers: By implementing a data normalization layer, we ensure that discrepancies in data formats don’t impact the app’s functionality.
  • FHIR validation tools: Tools like FHIR Validator are used to check the integrity and accuracy of data before we deploy the app to production, reducing the risk of issues in real-world use.
  • Fallback mechanisms: If certain data elements are missing or incorrectly formatted, we build fallback systems to ensure the app continues to function as intended, even if some data is unavailable.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of developing healthcare apps. Meeting the requirements of HIPAA for security, the ONC Cures Act for patient access, and international regulations like GDPR for privacy requires constant vigilance and updates. Non-compliance can lead to legal issues and loss of patient trust.

Proven Solutions

  • Regular audits: We conduct quarterly compliance audits, ensuring our apps remain in full compliance with HIPAA, the ONC Cures Act, and other relevant regulations.
  • Detailed audit logs: We implement comprehensive logging mechanisms that record all user and system interactions with sensitive patient data. These logs help demonstrate compliance during audits and ensure transparency.
  • Granular consent management: Our apps are designed to manage patient consent in a detailed and compliant way, ensuring that data sharing only occurs with the patient’s explicit approval.
  • Collaboration with legal teams: Our collaboration with legal teams ensures privacy policies, security practices, and other compliance measures are always up-to-date and reflect the latest legal requirements.

4. EHR Vendor Restrictions

Each EHR vendor, like Epic, Cerner, or Athenahealth, may impose its own proprietary extensions to the FHIR standards or have unique implementation quirks. These variations can cause integration problems. Additionally, the approval process for app marketplaces can be lengthy and unpredictable, and vendor changes can affect app functionality.

Proven Solutions

  • Early vendor engagement: We engage with vendor-specific programs like Epic App Orchard and Cerner Code from the start of the development process. This helps us understand their requirements and gain early access to their APIs.
  • Time for certification: We allocate extra time in the development timeline to account for the certification process with each vendor, ensuring we meet their standards.
  • Flexible design: We design our apps with flexibility in mind, ensuring they can adapt to different vendor-specific requirements and avoid lock-in to one system.
  • Maintain vendor relationships: We keep open lines of communication with vendor technical teams, allowing us to quickly address any unexpected changes or updates to the vendor’s systems.

Tools, APIs, and Frameworks for Developing SMART on FHIR Apps

After developing numerous SMART on FHIR applications for healthcare organizations, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the essential tools, APIs, and frameworks that drive successful interoperability solutions. Over time, we’ve learned which technologies are key to building robust, secure, and scalable applications that integrate seamlessly with EHR systems. Here are some must-have tools and frameworks for your SMART on FHIR project.

Tools, APIs, and Frameworks for Developing SMART on FHIR Apps

1. FHIR Servers: The Foundation

HAPI FHIR

Having worked extensively with HAPI FHIR, we know it’s an excellent choice for development and testing. This open-source, Java-based server supports all major FHIR versions, making it perfect for quickly building and testing SMART on FHIR apps. It’s reliable and flexible, allowing for easy integration and rapid prototyping.

Azure API for FHIR

In our experience, Azure API for FHIR is a top-tier, fully managed service ideal for production environments. It’s HIPAA-compliant, secure, and integrates seamlessly with Azure Active Directory for smooth authentication management. It’s a great option when you need a secure, scalable solution.

Google Cloud Healthcare API

For larger projects, we often turn to Google Cloud Healthcare API, which offers a fully managed FHIR store on GCP. It supports both FHIR STU3 and R4, with powerful analytics integration through BigQuery, making it ideal for handling large datasets and performing real-time data analysis.


2. Development Frameworks

SMART JS Client

We always recommend using the SMART JS Client for handling OAuth2 flows and FHIR API calls. This JavaScript library simplifies the process of building SMART apps by automating the OAuth2 process and ensuring the app can interact smoothly with EHR systems through secure authorization.

FHIR Client Libraries

Over time, we’ve worked with various FHIR client libraries for different programming languages. For JavaScript, we rely on fhir.js or FHIR REST.js, while for Python, fhir-py and SMART on FHIR client are our go-to libraries. These libraries make it easy to manage FHIR resources and integrate with backend systems. For Java and C#, HAPI FHIR client and Firely .NET SDK have been invaluable in streamlining our development process.


3. Authentication & Security

OAuth2 Providers

We’ve dealt with various OAuth2 providers, especially those specific to EHRs like Epic and Cerner. These implementations, along with OpenID Connect for identity verification, are essential for ensuring secure and compliant user access to healthcare data. Setting up OAuth2 properly is key to making sure your app works seamlessly within the EHR ecosystem.

SMART App Launcher

To ensure that the app launches correctly and adheres to all SMART on FHIR standards, we rely on the SMART App Launcher. This testing tool simulates the EHR environment, helping us validate the launch sequence, scopes, and permissions before the app goes live. It saves us time during development by catching potential issues early.


4. Testing Environments

Epic Sandbox

Having used the Epic Sandbox extensively, we know it’s an invaluable tool for testing SMART on FHIR applications. This official test environment, loaded with sample patient data, allows us to validate that our apps work as intended within the real Epic FHIR implementation, ensuring compatibility and compliance.

SMART Health IT Sandbox

For quick validation and testing, we often use the SMART Health IT Sandbox. It’s a free, public environment pre-loaded with synthetic patient records, making it a great resource for developers to test FHIR integrations. It supports all core FHIR resources, helping us simulate a real-world EHR scenario without relying on live data.


5. Monitoring & Analytics

Application Insights

When it comes to monitoring app performance, Application Insights has been our go-to tool. It provides detailed analytics on API response times and tracks system performance in real time. This allows us to identify errors and optimize performance before our apps are fully deployed in production environments.

Prometheus + Grafana

For more complex monitoring needs, we often use Prometheus in combination with Grafana. This open-source monitoring stack lets us create custom dashboards to track FHIR metrics, set up alerts for API failures, and ensure the app performs optimally under different conditions.

ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)

To ensure transparency and security, we rely on the ELK Stack for logging. Elasticsearch allows us to efficiently search through logs, Logstash processes log data, and Kibana visualizes the results. This centralized logging solution tracks every FHIR API transaction, making it ideal for audit trails and security monitoring.


Implementation Roadmap

1. Set up Development Environment

We start by selecting the right FHIR server based on the project needs. HAPI FHIR is great for testing, while Azure or GCP is perfect for production. Next, we configure authentication through OAuth2 providers to ensure secure access.

2. Build Core Functionality

For the frontend, we use SMART JS Client to handle OAuth2 flows and integrate FHIR APIs. On the backend, we select the appropriate FHIR client library depending on the development stack, ensuring smooth communication with the server.

3. Testing & Validation

Once the app is built, we test it in environments like the Epic Sandbox or SMART Health IT Sandbox. These tools help us validate that the app functions correctly within the EHR ecosystem and meets all required FHIR profiles.

4. Deployment & Monitoring

After testing, we deploy the app on a production-grade FHIR server. We set up monitoring tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or Application Insights to track performance and optimize the app’s operation, ensuring it runs smoothly post-launch.


Case Study: Transforming Medication Adherence with SMART on FHIR

One of our clients, a leading digital health platform, was facing a major challenge: 40% of chronic care patients were missing doses or delaying refills, which led to worsening health outcomes and increased hospital readmissions. Their existing system wasn’t up to the task, patients had to manually enter prescriptions, there was no real-time integration with EHR medication lists, and refill tracking was entirely manual.

Our SMART on FHIR Solution

To tackle this problem, we developed a medication management app that seamlessly integrated with Epic EHR using SMART on FHIR. This solution created a closed-loop system to improve medication adherence automatically.

Key Implementation Highlights

  • Secure EHR Integration: We implemented OAuth 2.0 authentication for secure, real-time access to medication data via Epic’s SMART on FHIR launch.
  • FHIR Resource Utilization: We pulled active prescriptions using MedicationRequest, tracked adherence with MedicationStatement, and linked patient records automatically without any manual entry.
  • Patient-Facing Frontend: We built a React-based dashboard with SMART JS Client, enabling features like automated refill alerts, dose reminders, and one-click pharmacy requests.
  • Clinician Dashboard: We provided real-time analytics for clinicians to identify patients at risk and intervene promptly.

The Results: Better Outcomes, Lower Costs

After launching the solution, our client saw significant improvements within just six months:

  • A 30% increase in on-time medication adherence
  • A 50% reduction in manual refill calls to clinics
  • A 15% decrease in avoidable readmissions for chronic patients

Why It Worked: The SMART on FHIR Advantage

  • Eliminated Data Silos: Our integration with the EHR removed the need for manual data entry, which reduced errors.
  • Scalable Architecture: The solution was designed to be scalable and could be deployed across any FHIR-enabled EHR system.
  • Regulatory Compliance: It was built with HIPAA-compliant security through OAuth2 authentication.

Could This Work for You?

Yes, SMART on FHIR can streamline medication management, improve adherence, and reduce errors in any healthcare setting. Its scalable and secure architecture makes it adaptable to different EHR systems. If you’re looking to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency, this solution could be a perfect fit for your organization.

Top 5 FHIR Apps for Healthcare Integrated with SMART

After exploring various options, we’ve uncovered several standout FHIR apps integrated with SMART, offering cutting-edge solutions for healthcare professionals. 

1. Abstractive Health

Abstractive Health

Abstractive Health serves as a digital physician assistant that automates clinical documentation using AI and large language models. It generates essential documents like SOAP notes and discharge summaries, significantly reducing the time clinicians spend on paperwork. By integrating with EHR systems such as Allscripts, Athena Health, Cerner, and Epic, the app enhances documentation accuracy and efficiency, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care.

2 Smart Precision Cancer Medicine

Smart Precision Cancer Medicine

Smart Precision Cancer Medicine supports oncology teams with tools that integrate genomic and clinical data to guide personalized cancer treatment decisions. This app helps clinicians match patients with the most effective therapies by analyzing both clinical and genomic data. By working within EHR systems, it enhances collaboration and decision-making among multidisciplinary cancer care teams.

3. Cardiac Risk by Boston Children’s Hospital

Cardiac Risk by Boston Children’s Hospital

Cardiac Risk simplifies cardiovascular risk assessment by utilizing the Reynolds Risk Score and presenting it in an easy-to-understand format. It displays key data like vital signs and lab results while also offering a simulation tool for modeling hypothetical changes. Available as a web app and integrating with Cerner, this open-source tool supports cardiology professionals by providing a more efficient way to assess cardiovascular risk.

4. Duke Pillbox

Duke Pillbox

Duke Pillbox helps clinicians and patients identify medications based on their appearance and imprint. It offers visual identification, medication details, and integrates seamlessly with patient records to reduce medication errors. This tool is particularly helpful for complex medication regimens, improving patient safety by ensuring the correct medications are being prescribed and dispensed.

5. BP Centiles

BP Centiles

BP Centiles is a tool designed for pediatric care, providing blood pressure percentile calculations based on age, sex, and height. This app helps clinicians quickly identify abnormal blood pressure readings in children, facilitating early detection of potential hypertension. By streamlining pediatric hypertension screening, BP Centiles improves the monitoring and management of children’s cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

SMART on FHIR is essential for modern healthcare platforms as it ensures seamless interoperability, compliance with healthcare regulations, and supports patient-centered care by enabling real-time data exchange across systems. Its ability to securely integrate apps with EHRs enhances clinical workflows and improves decision-making. At Idea Usher, we specialize in helping enterprise and platform owners integrate SMART on FHIR apps efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring that your healthcare solutions are secure, scalable, and optimized for better patient outcomes.

Looking to Develop SMART on FHIR Apps for Healthcare?

Unlock seamless, secure, and interoperable healthcare solutions with SMART on FHIR, revolutionizing the way EHR-integrated apps function. At Idea Usher, we specialize in helping healthcare enterprises and platform owners build FHIR-compliant applications that enhance patient care, improve workflows, and ensure full regulatory compliance. With over 500,000 hours of coding expertise and a team of ex-MAANG/FAANG developers, we deliver scalable, robust, and future-proof healthcare integrations designed to support your long-term goals.

Why Choose Us?

  • Expertise in FHIR & EHR interoperability
  • Secure, HIPAA/GDPR-compliant solutions
  • End-to-end development & deployment

Explore our latest projects and discover how we can transform your healthcare platform. Let’s shape the future of digital health together.

Work with Ex-MAANG developers to build next-gen apps schedule your consultation now

FAQs

Q1: How to develop a SMART on FHIR app?

A1: Developing a SMART on FHIR app involves integrating the SMART on FHIR standard with your EHR system using the FHIR API to exchange data securely. This process includes setting up the appropriate OAuth 2.0 authentication for secure access, building user interfaces that fit within the EHR workflow, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA. Testing and validation are crucial to ensure the app works seamlessly within the clinical environment.

Q2: What is the difference between FHIR and SMART on FHIR?

A2: FHIR is a data standard that enables the exchange of healthcare information across systems. SMART on FHIR builds on this by adding an authorization layer for secure, standardized app integration with EHR systems. While FHIR handles data exchange, SMART on FHIR handles secure access and seamless integration, enabling third-party apps to interact safely with EHRs.

Q3: How long does it take to develop a SMART on FHIR app?

A3: Developing a SMART on FHIR app typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the app’s complexity. This timeframe includes development, testing, and deployment phases, ensuring that the app meets the technical and regulatory standards required for healthcare environments.

Q4: Which EHR systems support SMART on FHIR?

A4: SMART on FHIR is supported by several major EHR systems, including Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts, among others. These platforms enable secure integration of third-party apps with their EHR systems, helping healthcare organizations implement advanced decision support and improve workflows.

Picture of Debangshu Chanda

Debangshu Chanda

I’m a Technical Content Writer with over five years of experience. I specialize in turning complex technical information into clear and engaging content. My goal is to create content that connects experts with end-users in a simple and easy-to-understand way. I have experience writing on a wide range of topics. This helps me adjust my style to fit different audiences. I take pride in my strong research skills and keen attention to detail.
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Idea Usher is a pioneering IT company with a definite set of services and solutions. We aim at providing impeccable services to our clients and establishing a reliable relationship.

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