How to Get Started

• Identify laboratory findings indicative of Ohio reportable infectious diseases for tests performed at your facility.  Laboratory and infection control personnel are usually involved in this step. 

  • Infectious Disease Control Manual (IDCM)

  • Ohio Department of Health's Reportable Diseases & Tests Specifications

• Create Health Level Seven (HL7) messages. Ohio Department of Health (ODH) can accept either HL7 version 2.3.1 or HL7 version 2.5.1 messages. HL7 version 2.5.1 is required for Promoting Interoperability (formerly Meaningful Use).

  • HL7 version 2.3.1 Implementation Guide

  • HL7 version 2.5.1 Implementation Guide

• Incorporate appropriate vocabulary and include Ohio Department of Health's (ODH) required fields in Health Level Seven (HL7) messages.

  • ODH's ELR HL7 v 2.5.1 Specifications

  • Public Health Information Network Vocabulary and Access Distribution System (PHIN VADS) (SNOMED code search)

  • Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC code search)

  • Discussion with ODH and Ohio Laboratories on HHS Guidance for COVID-19 Reporting Requirements

Useful links for Validation of Health Level Seven (HL7) version 2.5.1 messages

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Electronic Laboratory Reporting (ELR) Validation Suite