IHE IT Infrastructure 2024: Healthcare Exchange Standards
- The IHE IT Infrastructure group is focusing on several key projects this summer, including updates to document digital signatures, the introduction of a Finance and Insurance Service (FAIS),...
- A important update involves the Document Digital Signature (DSG) profile.
- The Finance and Insurance Service (FAIS) represents new territory for IHE.
IHE IT Infrastructure is making important strides with its 2024 updates, focusing on healthcare exchange standards to boost interoperability. This summer,the primary_keyword Document Digital Signature (DSG) profile gains a JSON option,modernizing digital signatures for enhanced compatibility,especially with the ETSI’s JAdES-B-LT standard. A secondary_keyword, Finance and Insurance Service (FAIS), debuts, streamlining claims data and catering to evolving market needs.Also, the FHIR Scheduling Profile is updated to enhance appointment booking, offering improved patient care.News Directory 3 recognizes that IHE is also exploring a portable verifiable Health Link. Discover what’s next as they continue integrating sex and gender support.
IHE Infrastructure updates Focus on Digital Signatures, Finance and Scheduling
Updated June 04, 2025
The IHE IT Infrastructure group is focusing on several key projects this summer, including updates to document digital signatures, the introduction of a Finance and Insurance Service (FAIS), and enhancements to scheduling capabilities. These initiatives aim to improve healthcare interoperability and address emerging market needs.
A important update involves the Document Digital Signature (DSG) profile. While the original DSG used XML signatures, an option is being added to support JSON signatures. This move aligns with the growing maturity and interest in JSON signature standards, especially the ETSI’s Long Term signature profile of JSON Signature – JAdES-B-LT.
The Finance and Insurance Service (FAIS) represents new territory for IHE. FAIS is designed to store, categorize, and manage claims and finance-related data within a health information exchange (HIE). it supports various data exchanges, including beneficiary enrollment, eligibility checks, pre-authorization, and claim status tracking. This service caters to emerging markets where existing solutions are lacking.
IHE is also advancing its FHIR Scheduling Profile, providing FHIR APIs for patient appointment booking. Based on FHIR Version 4.0.1, this profile leverages the Schedule, Slot, and Appointment resources.It builds upon the work of the argonaut Project, offering an international solution without dependencies on national profiles. Key operations include $find, $hold, and $book.
IHE is also exploring a new work item proposed by the WHO, with backing from Canada and Australia, to profile a portable verifiable Health Link. This would enable patients to grant specific access to their health data,such as an International Patient Summary (IPS),leveraging existing IT-Infrastructure profiles like MHD and sIPS.
What’s next
IHE will continue to address public comments on current projects and explore new initiatives, including integrating sex and gender support into relevant profiles and enhancing privacy in cross-community access (XCA) and cross-patient discovery (XCPD) searches.